THE MEDITERRANEAN

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1937, Page 5

THE MEDITERRANEAN

PATROL PLAN Adopted by Conference ANGLO-FRENCH DESTROYERS. TO CARRY IT OUT. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] NYON, September 10. The Mediterranean conference has opened. It is understood that France and Britain have agreed to a policy which they communicated to other Powers. It is believed that no modifications are likely. The conference may conclude tomorrow. M. Delbos, who was elected chair-

man, said that France and Britain called the conference to end an intolerable situation, and ensure the enforcement of international law in the Mediterranean. M. Litvinoff declared that European Governments had organised the piracy. The Soviet welcomed the conference because' she was not only a victim of the piracy, but was also interested in combating every form of aggression and international lawlessness. (Received September 2, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, September 11. The Nine-Power Conference reassembled to-day at Nyon, (and examined the British-French patrol plan, which had been drastically amended, owing to the absence of any naval experts except. French and British, it being considered that a discussion of the zone plan would, in such circum-

stances, become involved, by prolonged delays: whereas, a speedy decision was essential. A communique states that M. Pouritch, Yugoslavian delegate, on behalf of the Balkan Entente, said that, those Powers, after consideration by their naval forces, had decided: First, that each should be responsible for policing its own territorial waters; secondly, that each should consult the other riparian Powers with a view to collaboration; thirdly, that Britain and France should police the seas on the most-used routes. M. Kiosseivanoff, Bulgarian delegate, said that he supported the Entente’s declaration. M. Delbos (French Foreign Minis-

ter and delegate) submitted the Bri tish-French draft text which, afte changes were made, was approver subject to the approval of the re spective Governments. During the discussion, the Blacl Sea riparian Powers undertook t< deal with submarines threateninj freedom of traffic in that area. It. was agreed that the adoptee text should be enforced immediately that the Governments signed up, foi which purpose the Conference iS ft meet early next week. The details of the scheme were not disclosed, but it is understood that British and French destroyers will police the entire Mediterranea. Italy’s participation in the scheme is provided for in the Adriatic Sea, but the proposals will be implemented, probably on Tuesday next, even if Italy does not accept them. Russia will, with other nations, be responsible only for protection in the Black Sea.

Neither the Spanish Government vessels nor the insurgent vessels will be protected. If a Spanish submarine, belonging to either side, attacks other nations' skipping, the position will be as follows: If the submarine comes to the surface, shows its flag, and gives the crew a chance of gaining safety, as provided by the London Maritime Convention of 1936, and then torpedoes the ship, its "action will lead to national, but not international consequences, in asmuch as it will be an act of war against the country whose vessel is sunk. The patrolling destroyer will not intervene, in such circumstances, but any submarine not observing the rules will be treated as a pirate and sunk. ROME, September 11. Doubt is expressed as to whether Italy will agree to Britain and France alone patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, in which Italy claims complete equality with other Powers, but Italy may favour the proposals, provided that an invitation to do so comes from the Non-Intervention Committee.

PLAN EXPLAINED. (Received September 12, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, September 12. An explanatory communique from the Conference at Nyon announces that neither of the Spanish parties will be accorded belligerent rights. Naval vessels will counter-attack, and, if possible, destroy any submarine attacking any merchantman not belonging to the Spanish parties contrary to international law as laid down in the London Naval Treaty of 1930. Naval vessels will also counter-at-tack any submarine in the vicinity of any merchantman that is attacked in circumstances giving valid ground for a belief that a submarine is guilty of the attack. The British and French fleets will implement the decisions in the western Mediterranean and in the Malta Channel, except in the Tyrrhenian Sea, which may be subject to special arrangements. British and French warships will also operate on the high seas in the eastern Mediterranean, except in the Adriatic Sea; but the riparian Powers will be responsible for their own territorial waters, and also are to allow the use of their ports. The communique adds that, in order to facilitate these measures, no submarine belonging to the participant Powers shall enter the Mediterranean unless it is accompanied by a surface vessel, or unless it is in defined exercise zones. The Powers are not to admit any foreign submarine to their waters, unless in case of urgent, distress, or unless it is accompanied on the surface.

The Powers will also advise merchantmen to follow agreed routes. It is understood that at least sixty destroyers will be employed to carry out the above decisions, forty per cent, of which will be French destroyers. SPANISH LOYALISTS. SUSPICIOUS OF PLAN. GENEVA, September 11. The Spanish Government’s delegation to the League expresses a fear that the Nyon plan will protect only non-Spanish vessels, and will estab-

lish the right to torpedo Spanish ships. It therefore says the plan is suspiciously similar to granting General Franco belligerent rights. ITALY’S ATTITUDE. ■ PLAN MAY BE REJECTED. ROME, September 11. It is authoritatively stated that there is not the slightest chance of Italy accepting the patrol plan if Russia is included in the patrol. Signor Mussolini has already declared that there is no room for Russia in the Mediterranean.

SUBMARINES FIRE ON COAST BATTERIES. VALENCIA, September 11. Two “mystery” submarines, off Cartagana, fired on the coast batteries. It. is believed that one submarine was sunk, and divers have been sent out to investigate. A BRITISH ENGINEER’S STATEMENT. LONDON, September .11. The “Daily Herald” says: An extraordinary story is told by Mr T. J. Morgan, third engineer of the steamer Campden Hill, as to how he saw disguised German submarines in a Spanish rebel port. He says: “We entered Huvela on July 19 last. A few days later four submarines, U 23, U 24, U 35, and U 36 arrived. I saw them the day they left. They had their identification marks concealed with : grey paint, while large letters that I were painted on the conning towers | had been replaced by black canvas I numbers, which were easily remov- ' ed.”

Naval Engagement GOVERNMENT VERSION. VALENCIA, September 10. An official account of the so-called naval battle, states the Libteratd sighted the Canarias at 10.20 a.m, and immediately full-speeded to engage her. The vessels exchanged shots at distances of nine to eleven miles, until 11.35 a.m., when the Canarias fled. The Republicans re-con-tacted with the Canarias at 5.25 p.m. and a gun-battle ensued at ranges of six to seven miles until 7 p.m. Once flames issued from the Canaria’s funnel. The Libertad suspended firing for ten minutes. Insurgent seaplanes bombed the Republican destroyers without damage.

INSURGENT ACCOUNT. LONDON, September 10. The insurgents claim that the Libertad was sunk in Cartagena harbour. ATTACK ON GIJON. SALAMANCA, September 10. The insurgents’ capture of the Mazucho Heights has virtually sealed the fate of Gijon. BRITISH OIL TANKER. CAPTURED BY INSURGENTS. PALMA, September 11. The insurgent warship Canarias has captured the British oil tanker Ormford, which was formerly the Green.