ABUSE OF RED CROSS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23086, 31 July 1940, Page 9

ABUSE OF RED CROSS

GERMAN METHOD OF ESPIONAGE SEAPLANES DISGUISED TO SPY ON CONVOYS LONDON, July 29. The latest example of German deceit is the use of seaplanes painted white and marked with the Red Cross to spy on British convoys. Two such machines have been forced down, one at Hartlepool and one at Wallsend. The log-books showed that they had been engaged in illegal operations. Two similar machines, which had an escort of fighters, were shot down when they approached the British coast. A warning has been sent to Germany and Italy that it has come to the notice' of the British Government that enemy aircraft bearing civilian markings and painted with the Red Cross have flown over British shipping in the North Sea and on the coast, and have been used for purposes which the British Government cannot recognise as being consistent with what is proper use under the Geneva Convention. The British Government, the message continues, desires to give reasonable facilities to aeroplanes aiding the sick and wounded and such machines will be respect :d, but would not grant immunity to aircraft flying over the scene of military or naval operations or over Great Britain. Enemy aircraft not complying with these conditions did so at their own risk and peril. FRENCH MINISTER CHARGED BRITISH VERSION OF INCIDENT (BRITISH omclil. WIRELESS.) RUGBY, July 29. Reports from Vichy indicate that M. Georges Mandel, former French Minister for Colonies, who is now being tried at Meknes, in French Morocco, is accused of attempting to -communicate with the British Minister of Information (Mr A. Duff Cooper), and Lord Gort against the interests of France. .... w. The facts relating to the visit of the British Minister to North Africa were made known by authoritative circles in London this morning. Certain distinguished French statesmen were in North Africa after the collapse of France, and Mr. Duff Cooper, who knew them personally, accompanied by Lord Gort, flew to see them. On arrival the local authorities communicated to them that their visit would be unwelcome to the French statesmen concerned, whereupon they immediately returned to England without having any communications with me French Ministers. .. . The French Minister for Justice has recommended a special Court to try the leaders for war guilt. The Magistrates will be “chosen for their politiCa Those P to 1 Arraigned will include M Daladier, General Gamelin, M. Reynaud, M. Leon Blum, M. Pierre Cot, M. Guy la Chambre, and •M. Mandel, but M. Mandel is the only one likely to face a charge carrying the death penalty. The others face life Retain Government Has issued a decree providing the death penalty for all French volunteers serving abroad. r’ift from Brazil.—The Brazilian Red Cross has sent a gift of of sugar to the Red Cross and St. John war organisation .for use, in service hospitals in Britain.— Rugby, July 29.