SPANISH WAR MATERIALS

Evening Star, Issue 23381, 26 September 1939, Page 5

SPANISH WAR MATERIALS

EMBARGO ON EXPORT POSITION UNDER CONSIDERATION NEW YORK, September 24. The Vigo correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ says Spain is expected to decide very soon whether to continue her informal embargo' on the export of war materials to Britain and France. The Minister of Commerce has delayed issuing permits for the export of iron-ore, pyrites, and most other exports until the situation has cleared. The question principally interests Britain at present, since the blockade has cut German and Spanish communications:" •' Trade between France and Spain has been non-existent during the past few years. France and Britain were formerly heavy buyers of iron-ore and pyrites, and both are needed for continuing the war. General Francois only public state-’ ments were at the beginning of the war, when he appealed for localisation of the conflict, enjoining Spaniards to observe the strictest neutrality.

The decision to ban the ships and trade of belligerents, followed by the delay in issuing permits for the export of iron-ore and pyrites, Spain’s principal exports, is an indication of the lengths to which the Government will go to avoid being drawn into the conflict. FINANCIAL MEASURES BRITAIN'S GIGANTIC WAR EFFORT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 24. Parliament reassembles this Tuesday, and on Wednesday Sir John Simon will announce his proposals for financing Britain’s gigantic war effort. It is recognised that it will be exceedingly unpleasant, but will contain no surprises, for everyone, including business circles, is prepared for the severe measures which are required, and i.he only concern manifest is that the methods adopted for raising the huge sums which must be raised shall be such as will cause the least dislocation of industry, since even temporary unemployment would be a waste of resources, which must be avoided when every ounce of the country’s strength should be available for the struggle.

CONTINUATION OF WAR ITALY BLAMES DEMOCRACIES ROME, September 25. Fascist circles consider that the British and French reaction to Signor Mussolini’s appeal is discouraging, and blame the democracies for continuing the war at the risk of a general conflagration.

ARAB SUPPORT COMPLETELY ON BRITAIN'S SIDE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 24. More evidence came to-day that Arabs in the Middle East and specially in Palestine have ranged themselves completely on the side of the British Empire in this war. The High Commissioner in Palestine reports that he has just been entertained at Beisan by Sheikh Mohammad Zanati, who delivered an address of loyalty to the Government and to the Allied cause in the present struggle. The guests, who numbered between 500 and 600, came from all the tribes and villages of Beisan and sub-districts, ami included members of municipal councils and other notables.