OUTLAW SUBMARINE’S SURRENDER

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22660, 13 July 1945, Page 2

OUTLAW SUBMARINE’S SURRENDER

Two months after the surrender of Germany a German submarine has entered a port of Argentina and surrendered. No explanation is reported to have been given of the movements of the vessel in the interim. Every day it has run the risk of being blown out of the water. Since V.E. Day it has been an outlaw. It will be interesting to have an explanation of the commander’s conduct because he has had the opportunity for mischief. For instance, the fate of Adolf Hitler has not been established with certainty. It is not impossible that he made use of a submarine to escape from Germany. Provided fuel were procurable, a submarine might have made a long journey and returned in two months. Why did this U-boat choose to surrender in an Argentinian rather than an Allied port? The explanation may, of course, be pure stubbornness, but the Allies no doubt will desire answers to several questions. Rumours were heard about the time of the German collapse that Hitler and his men had long-range submarines ready for a flight from Germany. It would be rather remarkable, however, if only Hitler among the higher Nazi circles made such an escape. Nevertheless almost all of the others have been accounted for, dead or alive. It is also true that few people apart from the Japanese would be willing to offer asylum to a man as dangerous to hold as Hitler. But there may be individuals who would be willing to harbour the criminal for an adequate consideration. In any case the submarine which has surrendered in Argentina has been unlawfully at large for two months. It is hoped the Argentinian Government will assure itself that no further mischief is committed by the complement of 55 men, who by their failure to surrender when ordered have shown themselves to be of a dangerous type.