REBEL ATTACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 9

REBEL ATTACK.

WHILE NEGOTIATING. Peaceful Surrender Of Minorca Desired. BOMBING BY ITALIAN 'PLANES. United Press Auoclatlon.—Copyright. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON", February 10. According to refugees on H.M.S. Devonshire, fighting broke out at Minorca while negotiations for the surrender of the island were taking place aboard the cruiser. Italian 'planes bombed the island and killed several, wrecking 30 houses.

The Associated Press learns that antiaircraft shell splinters struck the Devonshire. Xo damage was done and there were no injuries received. Colonel San Luis, military Governor of Majorca, who was aboard, arranged an immediate investigation with the rebels at Ma jorca, whence it is believed the bombers came.

It is learned that there were six raids on Port Mahon.

"I telegraphed a protest to Burgos, but the bombing did not cease,'' declared Captain Muirhead Gould in Marseilles, commenting on the attack on Minorca.

He added: "I sent two telegrams of protest. The first was unanswered. To the second they replied that the action was a mistake. My sole condition for 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 the surrender of the town. In panic, the population fled. I embarked the refugees and departed."

It i 6 officially announced from Burgos that the rebels have completely occupied Minorca.

The British Government is maintaining continuous contact with both the rebel and Loyalist leaders, but can do no . 18 - ore yet than offer its services in bringing the two sides together as soon as one makes a move, says "The Times." They are not pressing either side to make a truce against their will.

-A British official wireless message says there was no British representative on the 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.

Violation of this undertaking has caused much, surprise, it is believed, in Spanish rebel circles, where it is keenly regretted, and both in Burgos and in London- there is considerable mystification as to the identity of the aircraft concerned in this attack.

NEWSPAPER PRAISES. Britain's Efforts For Peace In Spain. SUSPICION UNJUSTIFIED. British Official Wireless. (Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, February 10. 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. A mission to Minorca has been completed in that region by diplomatic means, the process of which could otherwise have been completed only by the extension of hostilities. It would welcome an achievement which need surely cause neither suspicion nor jealousy elsewhere—and there have been signs of both."

The "Daily Telegraph" says fortunately portents seem to point to the conclusion of peace by an agreement in Spain, and the prelude to~ such a conclusion is to be recognised iu the undisputed transfer of Minorca from Loyalist to rebel occupation. If one of His Majesty's chips is 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.