THE TROUBLE IN MADEIRA

Evening Star, Issue 20780, 30 April 1931, Page 11

THE TROUBLE IN MADEIRA

PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT'S ULTIMATUM WAITING FOR NEWS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, April 29. 'Europe-has been waiting for seven hours, more amused than anxiously,, for news from Madeira, where, according to the Portuguese Government’s ultimatum, a bombardment was fixed positively for 5 ‘ o’clock unless :the rebels had' previously surrendered, but there wa’s no word- at midnight of whether the .six 'warships had carried out the threat or .whether a landing was attempted from two transports. Trie rebels are estimated to number 2,000. They possess a number of heavy machine guns, several with long range; Trenches have been dug to defend strategic points, all bridges have been mined ready to be blown up, and there are sufficient provisions on the island to last'three months. Meanwhile the general population, while' hot; opposing ja- dictatorship, are anxious to-.return : to their business of selling embroidery and exporting early vegetables, for which the island is famous. The Admiralty states that the cruisers. London and Curlew arc still standing by to, safeguard British interests. NO COMPROMISE. - , ' ; MADEIRA, April 29. : (Received April 30, at 10 a.ra.) The Minister of Marino, who is commanding the -punitive expedition, refused the "Bishop of Funchal’s offer to act as mediator, declaring that nothing bnf; unconditional surrender would be acceptable.