BRITAIN’S PART

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 38, 15 February 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN’S PART

SURRENDER OF MINORCA PRIME MINISTER EXPLAINS Received Feb. 14, 6.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 13. An account of Britain's action in connection with the H.M.S. Devonshire’s visit and the surrender ot Minorca was given by the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, in the House of Commons at question time. ‘‘At the request of the local authorities at Palma, the British Government undertook to convey a Spanish senior officer to Minorca in order that he might negotiate the peaceful surrender of tne island,” Mr. Chamberlain said. "Britain previously had been informed that unless it could make negotiations possible by providing the means ot communication, an attack would be launched on Minorca. i thereupon, seeing that a British ship provided the only available means ol making a peaceful contact with Minorca, ana being anxious to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, permitted an application to be made for the services of the H.M.S. Devonshire. Britain consulted neither the Spanish Government noi the Burgos authorit.es, tnouga the local auunorities at Fauna were, it is understood, in touch witn General Franco. £ rance, wno was kept Lully informed, approved of the action of Britain. The Devonshire uuly proceeded to Minorca and, it is understood, the surrender of the island nas now taken place. Britain nas taken no part in the 'negotiations and has no responsibility lor them. The Devonshire had taken the opportunity of embarking some 450 refugees who considered they inignt run the risk of reprisal. These reiugees have now been landed at Marseilles in co-operation with the French authorities.”