MINORCA

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20728, 11 February 1939, Page 7

MINORCA

THE DEVELOPMENT BRITISH SATISFACTION POLICY BEARING FRUIT (Omclal Wireless) (•Received Feb. 11, 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 10 The newspapers in London generally express satisfaction at yesterday's developments regarding Minorca, and with the British Government's share in them. The Times says: “The steady impartiality of the British policy throughout the war has begun to bear fruit. Both sides realise that Britain desires only a united settlement and a peaceful Spain. The mission to Minorca has been completed in that region by diplomatic means, a process which could otherwise have been completed only by the extension of hostilities. It is a welcome achievement, which need surely cause neither suspicion nor jealousy elsewhere—and there have been signs of both.*’ Danger Spot Removed The Daily Telegraph says: “Fortunately signs and portents seem to point to the conclusion of peace by agreement in Spain, and a prelude to such conclusion is to be recognised in the undisputed transfer of Minorca from Republican to Nationalist occupation. If one of His Majesty's ships was able to render disinterested service in the completion of that transfer it is a fact which should bring ./‘relief rather than excite suspicion, as it seems to have done in Berlin. It means that one more danger spot has been removed, and that the possibility of accommodation between obdurate antagonists has been demonstrated.” BOMBS AT MINORCA H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE HIT NO MATERIAL DAMAGE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. H. 11.45 a.m.) MARSEILLES, Feb. 10 According to refugees on H.M.S. Devonshire lighting broke out at Minorca while negotiations regarding the future of the island were taking place on board the cruiser. Italian pjpnes bombed the island, killed several people, and wrecked 30 houses. The cruiser was struck with bomb splinters. LONDON, Feb. 11 'Rie Associated Press learns that anti-aircraft shell splinters struck H.M.S. Devonshire but there was no damage and no one was injured. General Sanluis who was on board, arranged for an immediate investigation with the Nationalists at Majorca, whence it is believed the bombers came. CAPTAIN’S STATEMENT A BROKEN PROMISE ATTRIBUTED TO A MISTAKE Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 11, 11.45 a.m.) MARSEILLES, Feb. 10 ** 1 telegraphed a protest to Burgos but the bombing did not cease,” declared Captain Muirhead Gould, when commenting on the attack on Minorca. He added: “I sent two telegrams of protest. The first was not answered, but to the second message I received a reply that the action was a mistake. My sole condition of helping to bring the parties together was the understanding that there would be no bombing and no executions. The bombing started on Wednesday while the envoys were negotiating for the surrender of the town, whose population fled in panic, I embarked the refugees and departed.” MYSTERIOUS PLANES NATIONALIST REGRET (omclal Wireless) (Received Feb. 11, 1.45 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 10 There was no British representative on H.M.S. Devonshire, and the commander took no part In the negotiations. The cruiser went on the distinct understanding that there would be no attack on Minorca during its presence at Port Mahon. The violation of this undertaking caused much surprise, it is believed, in Spanish Nationalist circles, where it is keenly regretted, and both in Burgos and London there is considerable mysteriflcation as to the identity of the aircraft concerned in this attack. MORE RAIDS SIX AT PORT MAHON United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 11, 11.30 a.m.) MARSEILLES, Feb. 10 It is learned here that six raids have •en made on Port Mahon, Minorca. RECOGNITION OF FRANCO * PROBABLY BY FRANCE <United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) Y' PARIS, February 9. Well-informed circles express the opinion that early recognition will be be accorded General Franco. Le Temps says it can even be asked whether the Republican Government lias not virtually ceased to exist.