ENGLAND’S HELP

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21194, 17 August 1940, Page 7

ENGLAND’S HELP

WHEAT FOR SPAIN ALLEGATIONS DENIED FIRE AT OIL DEPOTS (Official Wireless) (Received August 17, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, August 16 A leading article in the Spanish newspaper Ariba on August 13 accused Britain of holding wheat and oil supplies for Spain, and then, by implication, insinuated the wholly unfounded allegation that British agents were responsible for a fire at the Campsa oil depot, Aliciante. From the way the incident has been exploited it may well have been the work of German agents provocateurs. Meanwhile, in reply to representations from the British Ambassador at Madrid the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs has given Sir Samuel Hoare a categorical repudiation of the charge insinuated in the newspaper. The Minister stated that the Spanish Government neither had accused, nor did accuse, the British Government of participation in, or knowledge of, the attempt which was made against the Campsa oil deposits at Aliciante. Facilitate Arrival of Ships As regards the wheat position he said that during the time of the greatest scarcity, between April and July, the British Government, by special arrangement with the Spanish Government, facilitated the speedy arrival in Spanish ports of 34 ships carrying wheat. As for oil, a British expert from London was now in Madrid carrying on a friendly discussion with the Spanish authorities, with a view to assuring adequate supplies of oil and lubricants for Spain.