LOSSES AT SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 7

LOSSES AT SEA

POSITION OF NEUTRALS REQUESTS TO GERMANY THREAT OF RETALIATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copj-rlg-nt) (Received Feb. 17, 11 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, Feb. 16 A conference of Scandinavian shipping interests and high officials from the Foreign Offices of Sweden, Denmark and Norway agreed to recommend a joint Scandinavian approach to the German Government with a view to clarifying the position regarding neutral shipping. Germany will be asked to cease I the sinking of neutral ships not carrying cargoes to the belligerent countries, failing which the Scandinavian companies will refuse to carry cargoes destined for Germany. The Oslo Aftenpost says the obscurity of the position regarding neutral shipping must be ended by negotiation among all the Powers concerned. Danish Steamers Sunk Three Danish steamers are reported to have been sunk. The Martin Goldschmidt, of 2095 tons, was sunk off the north coast of Scotland. It is believed 15 of the crew were killed. Five were saved. The others, the Sleipner, of 1066 tons, and the Rhone, of 1064 tons, were torpedoed on the east coast. The Sleipner’s passengers and crew were saved, also six of the personnel of the Rhone. Presumed To Be Lost The Norwegian steamer Bisp, of 1000 tons, which left a British port for Haugesund with a cargo of coal on January 20, is presumed to have been lost. She carried a crew of 16. U-Boat Attacked A French warship attacked a Üboat. It is unable to say postively if the submarine was sunk.