PROTECTION OF SUBJECTS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22243, 6 November 1937, Page 17

PROTECTION OF SUBJECTS

BRITISH DISCUSSIONS WITH FRANCO STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPTRIGHT.) (Received November 5, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) in the House of Commons confirmed the report of negotiations with General Franco for the appointment of agents to discuss questions affecting British inteiests and nationals. The agents would have no diplomatic status. The Government had no intention of varying its attitude towards the contending parties. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) asked if this meant in effect, de facto recognition of the insurgent Government. The Prime Minister: No, sir; I am advised that it makes no difference in the existing situation.

Mr Chamberlain said that the Government had no intention of making any variation in the attitude which it had consistently adopted to the contending parties. It was, however, bound to take account of its responsibilities for the protection of British nationals and commercial interests throughout Spain, including those large areas in the northwest and south-west, as well as in the Spanish zone of Morocco, in which General Franco’s forces were now in effective occupation. Accordingly, the Government had entered into negotiations for the appointment of agents by it and General Franco respectively. The Australian Associated Press learns that the delay in announcing the arrangements for British and insurgent representation is due to the determination first to clear up the bombing of the Jean Weems. The Salamanca authorities promised a searching inquiry and Britain is awaiting a satisfactory outcome. It is emphasised by Whitehall that representation does not mean diplomatic recognition of General Franco. The position will be similar to that adopted towards Abyssinia.

SMUGGLING ARMS TO FRANCO

DISCOVERY BY BRITISH POLICE LANDING FROM GERMAN VESSEL ALLEGED (Received November 5, 8.30 p.m.) GIBRALTAR, November 5. The British police on the Spanish frontier stopped a mule van which was going to La Linea laden with packing cases labelled “Merchandise.” They were found to contain rifles and ammunition and were intended for General Franco. They are alleged to have been landed from a German steamer.

DESTROYER FIRES ON SUBMARINE

PROTECTING MERCHANT SHIP (Received November 5, 8.30 p.m.) VALENCIA, November 5. A French destroyer which was escorting the French steamer Imerethie fired several times at a submarine 20 miles from the Spanish coast.