SHIPOWNERS REJECT FRANCO’S OFFER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 241, 8 July 1938, Page 11

SHIPOWNERS REJECT FRANCO’S OFFER

Proposed “Safe Port”

Unsuitable

DISADVANTAGES OF ALMERIA

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, July 6.

Almeria, which General Franco has proposed as a “safe port,” is the smallest of seven Spanish ports used by-British shipping and is completely unsatisfactory for the purpose owing to its-draught, as it mostly accommodates only vessels of up to 3000 tons, declares a committee of British shipowners trading to Spain. The committee adds that the maximum accommodation is seven vessels, whereas at present 45 vessels, many over 3000 tons, are discharging at Spanish ports and a further 50 are due within a fortnight. Moreover, Almeria is nearer the firing-line than other first-class ports.

The committee demands the complete freedom of action and protection that has been accorded‘to British shipping for the last 500 years.

BOMBING OF TOWNS Possible Setting Up Of Commission (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, July C. Britain is making every effort to arrange for an international commission to be formed which would proceed at the request of a competent Spanish authority to any town that suffered aerial bombardment in Spain. In making this anonuncement in the House of Commons, the Foreign Undersecretary, Mr. R. A. Butler, said that the action to be taken depended on the replies received from certain foreign Governments, which he hoped would soon arrive.

The result of yesterday’s meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee was formally recorded in Parliament when the Prime Minister stated that he hoped the text would be available to members of Parliament next Monday, BRITAIN PRAISED BY GERMANY Berlin, July 6. The Press adopts a friendly attitude to Britain concerning the Non-Inter-vention Agreement, which is described as the crowning success of Mr. Chamberlain’s long efforts.