BRITISH DIPLOMACY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 9

BRITISH DIPLOMACY

Dismay In Rome And Berlin H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE INCIDENT Received Feb. 10, 6.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 9. Bewilderment has been caused in foreign circles by the Italian journal Dip’omatica Informazione, which declared that Mr. Neville Chamberiaii, British Prime Minister, did not surprise responsible quarters in Italy when he stressed Anglo-French solidarity because he made a similar declaration during his visit to Rome. The journal added: “French antiFascists, who, in exaggerated jubilation, refer to Italy's consternation, make a gross error. Italy is not disturbed because she has long recognised the existence of a real AngloFrench military alliance, which is naturally defensive, but there is no need for us to entertain too many illusions as to its meaning.” The statement, according to London opinion, is relieved by the Italian Press interpretation, which unanimously emphasises that it is a remark calling for fresh military effort by Italy. This can be regarded as a further prick of the spur to help the nation to hold the pace that II Duce demands. It is clear that the attention General Franco is paying to British and French suggestions for a speedy winding up of the war is not relished by Italy. The H.M.S. Devonshire's activities are greeted with illconcealed amazement and dismay. The Telegraph's Berlin correspondent says the Devonshire's role in Minorca has increased the fury of the Press in Germany, which fully believed that General Franco’s victory would mean the complete removal of Britain and France from diplomatic activity in Spain until the influence of Italy and Germany had been established. It obviously inspired evening newspapers to declare that Minorca was under the control of British troops. It suggested that the Devonshire’s refugees “comprise British agents whose work has been completed.”

The Lokal Anzeiger says Britain embarked on an act of intervention of very special importance, while the Hamburger Fremdenblatt sees in it the first fruits of President Roosevelt's assurances to the democracies. Well-informed circles in Paris express an opinion in favour of the early recognition of General Franco. Le Temps says it can even be asked whether the Republican Government has not virtually ceased to exist. 40,000 Refugees Forty thousand Republican troops entered France during the day and Cerbere, Brourgmadame and Le Perthus were later captured without opposition. A few minutes after the last of the retreating Spaniards ran across the international road which the French requested the insurgents not to cross. The insurgents thereupon marched up and down the Spanish side of the road, playing their band. i Desperate fighting continued at nightfall, the insurgents pushing on toward Puigcerda, where thousands in

France watched the retreating ReI publicans heavily shelled. Italian bombers were active on the Levante coast throughout the day, says a Valencia message. One hundred bombs were dropped on the outskirts of Valencia and 80 at the port, the • British ships Stanforth and Stanorook being seriously damaged. One hun- | dred bombs were dropped on Cartajgena and did enormous damage.