GERMANS IN SPAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 5

GERMANS IN SPAIN

MILITARY WORKS AERODROMES AND FORTS LONDON, Aug. 3. _ Reports of a weakening of Italian and German influence in Spain, and the probability of Spain’s neutrality in the event of war, appear to be optimistic in the light of the most recent reports. These describe German supervision of the new and feverish construction of aerodromes near the French frontier, and also the continued fortification near Gibraltar. Italians Tighten Grip There are also reports that the Italians are tightening their grip on Majorca, the main island in the Balearic group. German engineers are controlling the construction of a chain of up-to-date aerodrome in Spain, and the reconditioning of old ones. Work on these aerodromes goes on day and night by thousands of members of the Engineer Corps and by battalions of Republican prisoners, under armed guards.

Some aerodromes are being built underground, as has been done in Germany. Spain's largest aerodrome is being built.at Jaca, 35 miles from the French frontier. From this point, the whole industrial region of southeastern France could be threatened. Activities in Majorca Construction is also being speeded up on submarine bases at Atlantic and Mediterranean ports, on huge> underground oil and petrol reserves, on two new wide roads to the frontier, and also on several lines of concrete fortifications and trenches • along the Basque borders.. Continuation of the fortifications at Ceuta and Algeciras is regarded as the explanation of new restriction on permits to members of the British garrison at Gibraltar who wish to visit Spain. Reliable information reaching Paris indicates that Italian airmen are staying in Majorca indefinitely. The airbase has not been withdrawn, despite the show of an impending withdrawal when the Italian troops left the mainland of Spain. A special pass is required to visit the island, and this is not issued to foreigners, except Italians and Germans.