GERMAN SHIPS BOMB ALMERIA

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 447, 1 June 1937, Page 5

GERMAN SHIPS BOMB ALMERIA

ATTACK WITHOUT WARNING REPRISAL FOR DEUTSCHLAND INCIDENT Nazi Cabinet Roused Press Association Copyright. Received June 1, 1 1.50 a.m. BERLIN, May 31. A communique states: “As a reprisal for the criminal attack by Spanish planes on the German warship, Deutschland, which was lying in anchor in a fortified harbour, Almeria was bombarded by German naval forces this morning. "The reprisals were concluded after the harbour works had been destroyed and the coastal batteries silenced. “Germany’s decision regarding the reprisals was naturally taken independently. German warships in Spanish waters have been ordered to fire on any Spanish aeroplane or warship approaching them.” A further communique states: “Germany s representative on the Non-Intervention Committee has been instructed to submit officially co-oroborated evidence of the attack on the German warship, and to give notification of the Government s decision not to participate in the control system or the NonIntervention Committee as long as there is no absolute guarantee given that such acts will not recur. According to a message from Valencia, an official communique states that the Commandant of Almeria reported that a German battleship and four destroyers opened fire on Almeria without warning, 200 shots falling throughout the city. Many of the victims have succumbed, and several buildings have been destroyed. The coastal batteries replied and the bombardment ceased after 65 minutes. The fleet then turned, throwing a smoke screen around it. The Germans also fired on minesweepers, which were hastily beached. The coastal battery apparently hit one of the destroyers. The Loyalist Cabinet was convened upon the receipt of the news, and Senor Del Vayo, who is at Geneva, was instructed to discuss the situation with the League of Nations members, after officially notifying the League of the bombardment. GUARANTEES DEMANDED NON-RECURRENCE OF INCIDENTS ■ Attitude Of Germany And Italy (Press Association—Copyright.) Received June 1, 10.15 a.m. LONDON, May 31. Herr Von Ribbentrop, the German Ambassador, has sent a letter to the Non intervention Committee stating that Germany will refuse to participate in the patrol scheme or the discussions of the committee until she receives guarantees against a recurrence of incidents. It is understood that Italy will also abstain from meetings pending satisfaction. Italy is also withdrawing her warships from the control scheme. So far as can be ascertained, there were 19 killed and 55 injured in Almeria. Thirty-nine houses were destroyed. There were no military objectives in the town. INCIDENT IS NOW CLOSED WARNING AGAINST FURTHER PROVOCATION (Press Association—Copyright.) Received June 1, 1.50 p.m. BERLIN, May 31. The Foreign Office Spokesman says that the bombardment ends the Ibiza incident. No further claim will be made and no further restitution demanded unless Germany is provoked by additional Spanish acts of aggression.