BRITAIN’S INTERVENTION

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

BRITAIN’S INTERVENTION

H.M.B. DEVONSHIRE’S MISSION ITALO-GERMAN COMMENT (United Press Assn.-Elec. Tel. Copyright) * LONDON, February 9 The Associated Press says H.M.S. Devonshire left Minorca carrying 450 refugees, presumably strong and active Republicans. The Devonshire is awaiting instructions as to landing the refugees. It is understood the Nationalists asked Britain to convey a representative to Minorca, and H M S. Devonshire was placed at their disposal after reference to France. Britain was not represented at the talks, whi< !i are believed to have occur 4 Devonshire between Colonel ganlu them iiitary Governor at Majorca and the representatives of France. The attention General Franco is paying to British and French suggrs tions for the speedy winding up of the war is not relished by Italy where H.M.S. Devonshire's activities were greeted with ill-concealed amaze ment and dismay. German Press Furious The Berlin corespondent of the Daily Telegraph says the Devonshire's role at Minorca has increased the fury of the press. Germany 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 was established. Obviously inspired, the evening newspapers declare that Minorca is under the oonirol of British troops and it is suggested that the ljevonshire’6 refugees “Comprise British agents, whose work is completed.” The Lozal Anzeiger says that Britain embarked on an act of interventloa of a very special importance. The Harburger Fremdenblatt sees the first fruits of President's Roosevelt's assurances to the Democracies.