SPANISH ATTACK ENVISAGED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 182, 30 April 1941, Page 7

SPANISH ATTACK ENVISAGED

Gibraltar Demand TIMING WITH THE AXIS

Completing Plans

(By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.)

LONDON, April 28.

Reports from Lisbon state that the Spanish Foreign Minister, Senor Suner, is completing preparations, to declare that Spain is openly on the side of the Axis Powers. It is believed that Spain will then join issue with Britain, either alleging that the blockade is responsible for starvation in Spain or demanding the return- of Gibraltar. When this is refused Spain is expected to attack Gibraltar, with German assistance.

This plan is believed to be accepted in principle, its timing being the only remaining point for consideration. The Lisbon correspondent of the “News Chronicle” says that the American Ambassador in Madrid, Mr. A. W. Weddell, has warned Senor Suner that the United States would regard Spanish acts of belligerency with the deepest disapproval and would tal<e necessary steps, including the possible dispatch of warships to African waters.

It is reported from Madrid that Mr. Churchill’s broadcast was published on the front page of the “Official Spanish Weekly.” His reference to the possibility of the war spreading to Spain and Morocco was omitted. The remainder of the Spanish Press is bound tq. follow the example of this publication.

WELLINGTON BOMBER’S CRASH

(Received April 29, 11.15 p.m.) MADRID, April 29.

A Wellington bomber made a forced landing on the Island of Formentera, in the Balearic group, and caught fire. Five members of the crew were interned.