ACTION AGAINST PIRACY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22197, 14 September 1937, Page 9

ACTION AGAINST PIRACY

I BRITISH FLEET TO BE AUGMENTED AIRCRAFT WILL CO-OPERATE WITH DESTROYERS (UNITED TKESS ASSOCIATION —COrYTCIGHT.) (Received September 13, 8 p.m.) LONDON, September 12. The naval writer of "The Times" says the anti-submarine agreement involves some 35 British destroyers in the Mediterranean. This necessitates a further augmentation of the usual strength of three flotillas, comprising 27 vessels, to which four ships have already been added, as the patrol will require four flotillas and'at least one flotilla as a reserve. Reinforcements will be sent out fron the Home Fleet. Aircraft will co-operate with destroyers, increasing their range of vision. Although the protection of shipping will hot be absolute, piratical sinking, which hitherto has involved little risk to the attackers, will become highly dangerous. If the Italians patrol the Tyrrhenian Sea the arrangements will be more efficient. Reported Protest by Soviet It is reported at Geneva that the Soviet representative (M. Litvinov) protested against the Nyon agreement on the ground that it was not strong enough. He described it as weak and flabby, and therefore he only agreed to refer it to Moscow for final approval. Authoritative quarters in Rome state that Italy will consult Germany before agreeing to the proposals, but if Germany approves of the agreement, Italy may agree in principle, 'with a possible adjustment of the area of which Italian ships would have control. It is understood that the German attitude is disinclination to become involved more than is necessary in Mediterranean complications, but at the same time maintaining solidarity with Italy. APPROVAL OF PLAN IN ROME EXCLUSION OF RUSSIA HELD TO BE SATISFACTORY (Received September 13, 8.30 p.m.) ROME, September 12. Signor Mussolini is studying the Mediterranean patrol plan. Italians regard the exclusion of Russia from the Mediterranean patrol as a satisfactory feature. They also contend that the plan confers on General Franco's submarines the rights of war under the London Naval Treaty, which is tantamount to recognition of his navy as that of a belligerent, in spite of the reservation of belligerent rights. GERMAN NEWSPAPERS GRATIFIED (Received September 13, 8.30 p.m.) BERLIN, September 12. The German newspapers express gratification that Russia has been shown the door, by the Nyon conference. MR EDEN CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS (Received September 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 12. The Geneva correspondent of the "Daily Mail" says the Foreign Secretary (Mr Eden) on leaving the Nyon conference said: "If we have not succeeded this time, I will eat my hat." BRITISH VESSELS RELEASED ACTION BY INSURGENT AUTHORITIES (Received September 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 12. The British steamers Molton and Candlestone Castle, which the insurgents have held for two months, have been released.