NO SOLUTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 July 1938, Page 8

NO SOLUTION

BOMBING OF BRITISH SHIPS IN SPAIN Mr Chamberlain on Negotiations with Burgos NO INDICATION OF AGREEMENT (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) RUGBY, July 13. An important statement was made in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) regarding communications with Burgos respecting the bombing of British ships. Mr Chamberlain recalled that Britain found it necessary to ask Burgos to explain the exact meaning attached to its disclaimer of any intention to make deliberate attacks on British shipping. The reply which had now been received stated that attacks on British ships in Spanish ports were not deliberate. The reply goes on to say that ships, not engaged in contraband trade, which enter such dangerous zones voluntarily ex P° s( ; themselves to the consequences of their own temerity, and it adds that attacks in which they are involved are not directed against them, but against objectives in the enemy ports in which they lie. -This country has passed legislation prohibiting British ships fiom carrying arms to any port in Spain and the Government has made it plain that it cannot accept as legitimate the bombing and sinking by aircraft of merchant shipping,” Mr Chamberlain continued. "At the same time ships trading in a war zone must accept the risks which are an inei i table result of the state of war. Effective protection cannot be guaranteed them unless this country is prepared to take an active part in hostilities. The Government, in our view, would not be justified in recommending such a course, which might result in the spread of the conflict far beyond itS “White any military action in such a situation is precluded, the Government is not prepared to acquiesce in a repetition of attacks of a certain Char “WiTh regard to a safe port at Almeria, while appreciating that the .. itroc? forward with a view to finding some solution of the present situation, the Government has found that the difficulties and disadvantages of the proposal are very great and has ascertained that the Spanish Government regards the proposals as unacceptable. ° u ful therefore, whether it can be proceeded with. _ I may add that. Sn Robert Hodgson (British Agent at Burgos) is remaining m London foi the time being.”