Non-Pacific Pacific

In the radio rooms of some 50-odd U.S. merchantmen plying Far Eastern waters last week, a terse, startling message suddenly crackled: Proceed at once to friendly ports.

This order was from the U.S. Navy. It meant that each ship--whatever its cargo --had to alter its course. Not since World War I has the Navy issued such an order. But not since then have the calm Pacific waters been as non-pacific as they were last week. Seamen landing at Seattle last week, called them "positively hostile."

Because West Coast maritime comings & goings are no longer published, a complete log of affected ships is unobtainable. But veteran shippers knew the log included several World War I Hog Islanders, at least four luxurious ocean greyhounds, a few new Maritime Commission C-2 and C-3 cargo boats--some on their maiden voyage. Some specific cases:

> Isthmian Steamship Co.'s Black Eagle was probably halfway from Manila to Honolulu when the Navy's order came, at once made haste under forced draught. Loaded to the scuppers with rubber, tin, other strategic materials, she would be a fat prize in anyone's war.

> The President Taylor (American President Lines), outward bound for a general Far Eastern cargo, probably ducked into Singapore. Sister ship President Madison was near Honolulu; her senior officers already may be riding Waikiki surfboards.

> American Mail Line's Cape Alava was at Hong Kong, is probably nestled under the fortress' mighty guns.

From Penang, Isthmian's Ensley City was headed for seething and steaming Dutch East Indies ports. The Puerto Rican, out of Balik Papan, was homeward bound, her crew hopeful of reaching Boston Dec. 2.

Only President Roosevelt and Navy Secretary Knox knew when the "standby" order would be lifted. But many a war-wise shipper guessed it would be soon. Reason: the order detained 10-15 vessels bound for Vladivostok with oil and machinery vitally needed by the Russians. It also held back tons of raw materials needed for U.S. war forges. Other shippers, however, figured the order would stand until all merchantmen could be escorted (by the Navy) to Manila, there equipped with guns. That would take longer--but be safer.

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