BLOCKADE OF BILBAO

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 406, 13 April 1937, Page 5

BLOCKADE OF BILBAO

FRANCO’S ACT EFFECTIVE H.M.S. HOOD ARRIVES OFF THE PORT Heavy Loyalist Losses On Madrid Front. Press Association—Copyright. Received 2 p.m. London, April 12. The blockade of Bilbao Is now so effective that even small boats are unable to slip out. The British commercial Attache at Hendaye has gone to Burgos to seek assurances that General Franco will not Interfere with British ships bound for Bilbao, provided no more food ships are sent. A message from Bilbao says that H.M.S. Hood arrived off the port at 2 p.m. to-day. A Salamanca report says that General Franco officially states that the Loyalists lost 4000 killed and 8000 wounded in three days on the Madrid front.

CABINET SUMMONED.

Attitude of Britain. Press Association—Copyright. London, April 11. Mr Stanley tlaldwin presided at a meeting of the- British Cabinet turnmoned to connider General Franco’s attempt to blockade Bilbao. The Government wil lissue.a statement on the matter In the House of Commons to-m irrow. The Saint Jean de Luz correspondent o£ ths Daily Telegraph says that 'all officers of the destroyers Brazezti, Beagle and Blanche were suddenly recalled from shore leave to-night. This is believed to be a sequel ito the Cabinet dnecision. I. is understood that the Admiralty inttructed the destroyers (to esc :*, merchantmen desirous of going to Bilbao to tho three mile limit outside Bilbao. The diplomlatic correspondent of the Daily Mail says the Admiralty has instructed JBritisii ships to fire ifter warning any craft interfering with British merchantmen outside the 'three-mile limit. The situation is much different inpide the limit. Britain recognises.' that the- escorting of food ships to Bilbao might be regarded in some quarters as a form of intervention. The President of tho Basque Government at Bilbao has telegraphed the Pope protesting as a patriotic Catholic against the rebel bombardment of several churches, resulting in the deaths of priests.