Evening star., 1949-06-05
U.S.Agents Hold III Passengers,
Question Crew After Boarding
EisIer Escape Ship on Return
OfficioIs Discount
Reports of Polish
Liners Seizure

United States Government COW
cred the Gerhard Eisler escape
ship and her pier with agents
today, detained her captain and
crew and sent Ill passengers to
Ellis Island for hearings.
The immigration Service served
an order on the captain Of the
Polish liner Batory late tonight,
directing him and all his $50 off,
GERS and crewmen to stay on the
ship for the duration of her stay
In American waters.
An immigration official said the
order was a result of investiga-
tions aboard the ship tonight,
when agents questioned the en-
tire crew.
The official said inspectors do
ing the questioning had advised
mo leave" for each Of the crew
including the captain. g.
Captain Refuses Comment
The captain. Jan cwiklinski.
said he had nothing to say" after
the order was served.
A little later loud speakers an
nounced In Polish throughout the
ship: "The entire crew, including
the captain. is not granted shore
leave"
Pete Esperdy. assistant immi-
grafton enforcement director. said
whether the crew could have Wis
itors aboard was "up to Washing
ton"
He said District Director Ed
ward Shaughnessy had left for
Washington to confer with off,
cials about the Batory affair. 2
I'VE will maintain such super
vision over ship and crew as Is
deemed necessary until it sails"
Mr.. Esperdy said.
He said further details must
come from Washington.
Statements Discounted. sr4
Early statements of officials.
that the Government might be in
the process of seizing the ship and
that it was under United States
control, were discounted later by
top immigration officials.
The Polish Embassy in Wash
ington said 1t would use "all legal
means against any unjustified or
illegal action" Text of state
ment on Page A-40
The number of detentions was
unusually large. ofiicials said
from IL to 20 would be normal
for q ship of the Batory's size.
Examination Continues.
The final number to be detained
still was uncertain as immigration
officials continued to examine the
liners nearly TOO passengers from
Gdynia. Copenhagen and South
ampton.
An immigration official said
those detained would be taken to
Ellis Island by barge. They will
remain there. at least over the
week end. as a special inquiry
board is to start hearings Monday.
Crying babies and older men and
women were among the passengers
lined up on the Batory's prone
made deck. Small children shuf-
fed about impatiently.
District Director Shaughnessy
said q majority of those held were
"of doubtful American citizen
ship"
He said they lacked documen-
tary proof of citizenship but might
be able to produce it at the hear
ings.
Officials said others were de-
tanned for lack of bonds. travelling
on visitors passports although not
legitimate visitors, and other
causes.
Police Help to Guard Pier.
A squad of more than 80 city
policemen joined others described
only as Government men"--it was
unknown whether they were from
the FBI, immigration or customs
assigned to guard the pier.
A police official said they were
ordered "to assist Government
men and see that no member OF
the crew leaves the ship"
Aboard the ship. 1t was learned,
crew members were undergoing
more than ordinary scrutiny.
It was believed Government
agents were questioning them to
find out if any had helped Eisler
stow away.
Shortly after the crowd of i'm
migration agents boarded the
Batory. Mr.. Esperdy told a group
Of newsmen aboard the ship that
(See BATORY PAGE ,A-lO