ANGER & DISMAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 February 1939, Page 7

ANGER & DISMAY

OVER BRITISH AND FRENCH EFFORTS IN SPAIN OUTBURST IN NAZI PRESS POSITION NOT RELISHED IN ITALY. ASTONISHING ALLEGATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 10. The bewilderment caused in foreign circles by yesterday’s declaration in the “Diplomatic Information” concerning Italy’s views of the closeness of the Anglo-French entente has been relieved by Italian Press interpretations, which unanimously emphasise a remark calling for a fresh military effort by Italy. This is regarded as a further prick of the spur to help the nation hold the pace which the Duce demands. Clearly the attention which General Franco is paying to British and French suggestions for a speedy winding up of the war is not relished by Italy.

The activities of H.M.S. Devonshire were greeted with ill-concealed amazement and dismay. The Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the role of the Devonshire at Minorca has increased the fury of the Press. Germany fully believed a victory by General Franco would mean the complete removal from diplomatic activity in Spain till the influence of Italy and Germany had been established. Obviously inspired evening papers declare that Minorca is under the control of British troops. It is suggested that the refugees on the Devonshire “comprise British agents whose work has been completed.” The “Lokal Anzeiger” says that Britain embarked on an act of intervention of very special importance, and the “Hamburger Fremdenblatt” sees the first fruits of President Roosevelt’s assurances to the democratic nations. ’

The “Daily Mail” says that it is reliably stated that General Miaja, Republican commander of the central zone, has decided to abandon resistance. A warship is being placed as his disposal at any moment. The correspondent adds that British and French recognition of General Franco is a matter of days. France yesterday sent to London proposals for de jure recognition which Cabinet is considering. SPANISH MINISTERS SENORS NEGRIN AND DEL VAYO IN TOULOUSE. LONDON, February 10. . A message from Toulouse states that Dr Negrin, republican Premier, and Senor Del Vayo arrived by car and are staying at the Spanish Consulate. FRONTIER CAMPS REFUGEES IN MISERABLE PLIGHT. NEED OF FOOD AND MEDICAL CARE. LONDON, February 9. The frontier refugee camps present a spectacle of misery. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are spread over a huge sand dune area behind barbed wire, patrolled by Senegalese mobile guards. Here and there children are seen hobbling on improvised crutches.

Old men and many of the wounded are huddled round camp fires in the bitter cold, while others are scouring the countryside in search of firewood. Babies are rocked in arms of weary mothers crying for food. The badly wounded are groaning and appealing for doctors. Distraught women are searching for missing husbands and children. HOSPITAL SHIPS FRANCE PROVIDING FOUR. PARIS, February 9. The Minister of Mercantile Marine. M Chappedelaine, has ordered the recommissioning of four passenger steamers for use as hospital ships for Spanish refugees. Two of them will be dispatched to Port Vendres and two to Marseilles, whither wounded will be taken by train.

ATTACK ON MINORCA

BOMBING BY ITALIAN PLANES. DURING COURSE OF PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.' (Received This Day. 9.50 a.m.) MARSEILLES, February 10. According to refugees on H.M.S. Devonshire, fighting broke out.in Minorca while negotiations were taking place aboard the cruiser. Italian planes bombed the island, killed several people and wrecked thirty houses. The cruiser was struck with bomb splinters.

STRUCK BY SPLINTERS

DEVONSHIRE NOT DAMAGED.

NO ENQUIRIES ABOARD.

(Received This Day, 10 a.m.) LONDON, February 10.

The Associated Press learns that antiaircraft shell splinters struck the Devonshire, but no damage was caused, and no injuries. Senor Sanluis, who was aboard, arranged for an immediate

investigation with the Nationalists at Majorca, whence, it is believed, the bombers came. SIX AIR RAIDS (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) MARSEILLES, February 10. It is learned that there were six air raids on Port Mahon. ACTION A MISTAKE REPLY TO BRITISH PROTEST. . NAVAL OFFICER’S REPORT. (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) MARSEILLES. February 10. “I telegraphed a protest to Burgos, but the bombing did not cease,” declared Captain Muirhead Gould, of H.M.S. Devonshire,-when commenting on the attack on Minorca. He added:

“I sent two telegrams of protest. The

first was not answered. The second message received the reply that the action was a mistake. My sole condition of helping to bring the parties together was an understanding that there would be no bombing and no executions. The bombing started on February 8, while the envoys were negotiating for the surrender of the town, whose population had fled in panic. I embarked refugees and departed.” BRITISH POLICY CLOSE CONTACT WITH BOTH PARTIES. HOPES OF FACILITATING PEACE. LONDON, February 10. The British Government is maintaining continuous contact with both Nationalist and Republican leaders, but they can do no more yet than offer their services in bringing the two sides together a.« soon as one makes a move, says "The Times.” They are not pressing either side, to make a truce against their will.

Meanwhile it. "is officially announcer that the Nationalists have completely occupied Minorca. Dr. Negrin, the republican Premier, has sent a telegram o General Miaja appointing him com-mander-in-chief of all the Republican land, sea and air forces in Central Spain. FIGHTING ON GENERAL MIAJA'S RESOLVE. (Received This Day. 9.50 a.m.) MADRID. February 10. General Miaja had a conference with military leaders and again expressed his determination to fight for liberty and independence.

AID FOR REFUGEES. ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION BY BRITAIN. (Received This Day. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 10. The Australian Associated Press says the British Government is contributing a further £BO.OOO for the assistance of Spanish refugees. The International Commission is still working at Barcelona, where children are suffering from malnutrition.