FOOTBALL SQUABBLE

Evening Post, Issue 37, 12 August 1936, Page 9

FOOTBALL SQUABBLE

PERU'S ULTIMATUM

BOTH SIDES FIRM

PEACE EFFORT FAILS

(Received August 12, noon.)

LONDON, August 11. "Either we play Poland this after-, noon or leave for Paris tonight," Senor Martinez, leader of the Peruvian delegation, told British Press representatives. ■ ' .

"Members of other South American delegations have privately expressed sympathy with us. Although so far we have not taken official action, I would not be surprised if some join us if today's decision leaves us no alternative but to depart. Our quarrel is not with the German Olympic administration, but with the International Football Federation's dictatorial decision."

The .Peruvians are awaiting with bags packed the result of Dr. Goebbels's attempt at peace-making. He conferred with the Peruvian Minister until midnight, and is today continuing his efforts. Senor Martinez will again; consult the President at Lima by telephone this afternoon. FEDERATION'S POSITION. The attitude of the Peruvians is tantamount to an ultimatum as the authorities have already awarded the match to Austria. - . The Football' Federation made a statement declaring that it was impossible to prevent the spectators interfering ;in the match between Austria and Peru. The federation, being unable to determine the responsibility for the situation, treated the matter in a sporting spirit and ordered a re-> play. THE OTHER SIDE. The Peruvians replied wih a statement that the spectators interfered with their game just as much as with the Austrians; moreover, the federation was responsible for holding a match in, which the public was not properly separated. The German Minister of Propaganda (Dr. Goebbels), in view of the antiGerman demonstrations in Lima and elsewhere in South America, points out that Germans were not concerned in the dispute. The referee was a Dane, while the football judges comprised Frenchmen, Belgians, ; Swedes, and Czechoslovakians. NEGOTIATIONS FAIL. Negotiations for an amicable settlement proved fruitless. The Peruvians rejected Dr. Goebbels's suggestion to withdraw' their footballers and allow their other competitors to continue. Peru insisted that they must play Poland in the semi-final. Senor Martinez, .leader of the Peruvian athletes, declares that the team will depart tomorrow, the decision being reached after conferences with the' Peruvian Ministers at Berlin and London. Senor Martinez adds that the Argentinians, Uruguayans, and Colombians are also considering withdrawal. Senor Martinez informed the Football Federation that unless the decision regarding the match between Austria and Peru was reconsidered, Peru would sever its connection with the International Federation. The Federation obviously intends to maintain its attitude, as Austria played Poland in the semi-final this afternoon.