HOW PATROL SHIPS WILL ACT

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 298, 13 September 1937, Page 9

HOW PATROL SHIPS WILL ACT

Attacking Submarines NO BELLIGERENT RIGHTS FOR SPANISH PARTIES (Received September 12, 7.40 p.m.) London, September 12. An explanatory official statement from /Nyon announces that neither Spanish party will be accorded belligerent rights. Naval vessels will counter-attack and, if possible, destroy a submarine attacking a merchantman not belonging to the Spanish parties, contrary to the international law laid down in tlie London Naval Treaty, 1930. They will also counter-attack a submarine in the vicinity of a merchantman which is attacked- in circumstances giving valid ground for the belief that the submarine is guilty of the attack. The British and French fleets will implement the decisions in the western Mediterranean and the Malta Channel, except in the Tyrrhenian Sea, which may be subject to special arrangements. The British and French will also operate on the high seas of the eastern Mediterranean, except the Adriatic Sea, but the riparian Powers will be responsible for their territorial waters and will also allow the use of their ports. The statement adds that in order to facilitate the measures no submarine -belonging to the participants will enter the Mediterranean unless accompanied by a surface vessel or in defined exercise zones. The Powers will not admit a foreign submarine to their waters except in ease of urgent distress or if accompanied by a surface vessel. The Powers will also advise merchantmen to follow agreed routes. It is understood that at least, sixty destroyers will be employed, 40 per cent, of which will be French. SPANISH FEAR Protection Only of NonSpanish Vessels (Received September 12, 8.30 p.m.) Geneva, September 11. The Spanish delegation to the League expresses the fear that the Nyon plan will protect only nonSpanish vessels, establishing the right to torpedo Spanish ships. It therefore is suspiciously similar to granting General Franco belligerent rights. The League Council has agreed to consider the Spanish Government’s appeal charging Italy with attacking republican ships. The British delegate, Mr. Eden, promised to make a statement on Palestine, and the Council adjourned until September 14 to enable the delegates to attend the Nyon Conference.

SUBMARINES ATTACK COAST BATTERIES

(Received September 12, 8.40 p.m.)

Valencia, September 11

Two mystery submarines off Cartagena fired on the coast batteries. It is believed one was sunk and divers were sent out to investigate.