Spain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 13, 18 April 1916, Page 5

Spain

NEUTRALITY AFFECTED. INSULT TO THE FLAC. r ' MURDER OF SUBJECTS ON HIGH SEAS. f United Pesm A»ionxATio!f .1 . London, April 16. > • The Times’ correspondent at Madrid says that the war has brought home to Spain -infthe most direct fashion, previous incidents such as the shootipg of Spaniards on the Helsium, which was smoothed over by regrets and an indemnity, hut the Government and public opinion are thoroughly aroused by the death of Senhor Granados, in the Sussex disaster, and the sinking of the Vigo and San Andarino. The Spaniards had welcomed German prisoners and had given German propagandists the fullest liberty, and has hitherto been completely neutral. A section of the Liberal press hotly resent the insult to the National flag, and are demanding the Government to' vindicate its dignity and rights, and this seems to be (he predominant feeling in the country. v• £ <.-j ,i.;. Twelve of the, chief shipping corn-, panias have memorialised the Government, by threatening to'stop sailings unless they are guaranteed against submarines. There is already-it shortage of tonnage and a further reduction means widespread, distress and probably grave disorders. Tire German Ambassador has formally denied that the Sussex was torpedoed, but Senhor Romannes may be entrusted to insist on a resolution consistent with the country’s dignity, and the means available in sixty thousand German subjects in Spain and the splendid Aus-tro-Gorman mercantile fleet, of a quarter of a million tons, now sheltering in Spanish ports.. , >