FIGHTING DYING DOWN

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 408, 15 April 1937, Page 5

FIGHTING DYING DOWN

GOVERNMENT’S OFFENSIVE. PRESSURE ON BILBAO RELIEVED. Wireless Propaganda From the Trenches. Press Association—Copyright. Received 1 1.15 a.m. Madrid, April 14. Fighting in various parts of Spain has died down. The Government offensive on the Madrid front, though probably as costly as the insurgents claim, seems to have relieved the pressure on the Bilbao front. The Government forces are also seeking to cut off Seville and Cadiz from the rest of the insurgent territory, thus far with some success. General Miaja is planning a war with loud speakuers as well as with guns. He is installing powerful amplifiers in the trenches, from which he is addressing the enemy lines, denying General Franco’s assertions that the Government is shooting all its prisoners. On the contrary, he says, those surrendering will be granted 100 pesetas and eight days’ leave to visit their families if they are in Government territory.

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE.

REASON FOR MILDER METHODS. Italian Press Comment. Press Association—Copyright. Received 1.50 p.m. Rome, April 14. The Italian Press declares that Britain has been obliged to adopt milder methods because she realises that inside Spanish waters she can no longer defend her shipping. The German newspapers give prominence to reports that Britain is veering toward General Franco. General Franco’s newspaper at Hendaye hails the British blockade decision as “a great victory for the Burgos Government.” General Dellano, in a broadcast, welcomed the British blockade i decision, which continues to delight Italy and Germany. Earlier London messages stated: Th! British skeamer Leiidgate is j preparing to leave Bayonne at 6 a.m. lon Wednesday for Santander, says | the St.. Jeande-Luz correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. The Leadgate is empty and intends to load al'- Santander and from there proceed to England. Captain Miller issued a statement that he was informed that three Spanish Government destroyers had ‘ arrived at Santander to help break •the blockade. Fie was also informed I tha\ two British steamers had arrivied at Santander and unloaded food I cargoes without in'erference. The Leadgate will not be escorted by Brinish destroyers, but v.'.U stop if challenged. T,t is considered the insurgents cannot obj- ct to an. empty ship going to Santander. The Duchess of Athol and Miss E. Rathbone and Miss Ellen Wilkinson, M.s P., are on ’the way to Spain to study relief condi* ions, especially affecting women and children. Mr. Anthony Eden was questioned | in the House of Commons about the detention at Malaga by Ithe Spanish insurgents of Mr. AV.hur Koest! r, repress infitive Khere of a London newspaper. Mr. Eden explain d that Mr. Koestler was not a British subject, but as

he Was the correspondent of an English. newspaper the insurgent 'authorities had been informed unofficially that Hit' Majesty's Government Was concerned for his welfare and would be glad of information concerning hig position. ' Mr. Eden also sltated the Forteign Office was in communication with the Spanish Government and with the insurgent authorities? in respect the British subject's serving On either side in the civil war and taken prisoner.

MOTION OF CENTURE.

DEBATE IN COMMONS Detailed Information Requested. (British Official Wireless.) Received 2 p.mRugby, April 14. The House ot Commons debs to opened to-day on. the Labour motion of censure in the following terms: — “The House taking note ot the Prime Minister’s statement on the situation at Bilbao, deplores the failure ot His Majesty’s Government to give protection to British merchant ships on their lawful occasions." The Home Secretary began the debate by emphasising the rdherenee of the Government, in common with the Government of France, to the policy of non-intervention. He then recalled that the Madrid authorities in August and. September had sought to declare a blockade of Ceuta, Mel, ilia and other ports. The British Government refused to recognise the blockade, but then, just as now, directions were issued to British ships in. view of the dangers which threatened them. Therefore, he claimed that it was impossible to maintain that the action taken in reference to the situation of Bilbao represented a new policy. The British Navy could force its way into any port of Spain, but that action would not be consistent with the policy of non-interven-tion, to which it Was their primary duty to be faithful. In moving the censure motion, Mr. C. R. Attlee said that the Opposition regarded the Government’s action in warning British ships against entering the port of Bilbao as a surrender of .rights which had always been maintained for shipping, and the surrender was made in the face of a grave breach of international law. The Spanish insurgents had no belligerent rights and no right ot blockade of Spanish ports. The prevention ot British ships trading with Spain was no part of the non-intervention policy so long as they carried neither munitions nor volunteers. British ships were to all intends and purposes told that they must not go to Bilbao, yet there was no question this time of starting a World War or ot trouble with a great Foreign Power. Mr. Attlee asked for detailed information ot the evidence upon which the Government had reached its decision, and the sources from which it came.