SPAIN’S NEUTRALITY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 24, 8 November 1940, Page 5

SPAIN’S NEUTRALITY.

REPORTED ASSISTANCE.

RECENT ACTION AT TANGIER.

LONDON, November 6

Tho motives underlying Spain’s action in taking over the International Zone of Tangier are not fully understood in London, and the British Ambassador in Madrid (Sir Samuel Hoare) is taking tip the question with the Foreign. Minister (Senor Suner). .One of the immediate issues raised by Spain’s, action concerns the fate of .two Italian submarines at present sheltering in Tangier harbour. One is damaged and is allowed by international law’ to remain in harbour till it is 'made seaworthy. There is at present no information about the second submarine, but inquiries are being made. It is the usual practice for a vessel putting into port, after having received damage in action, to be inspected by an expert commission of the neutral country concerned, and for the commission to estimate the time the necessary repairs should take. After the expiration of that period the vessel must leave the harbour.

The Madrid correspondent of “The Times” says the news that Tangier lias ceased to lie internationally controlled and will henceforth conic under the High Commissioner for Spanish Morocco is treated discreetly in the Madrid newspapers, -which are evidently obeying official instruction. As the, latest development is merely a logical consequence and a legalising of an already established position, the talcing over of Tangier is described as a natural event in accordance with its history and geographical position.

The British authorities have received an assurance of the maintenance of absolute neutrality in the zone.