QUICK DECISION SOUGHT

Evening Star, Issue 22681, 22 June 1937, Page 9

QUICK DECISION SOUGHT

GERMANY AND THE LEIPZIG INCIDENT CONSULTATION OF POWERS press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, June 21. The diplomatic correspondent of the * Daily Telegraph 1 says it is understood that Herr von Ribbentrop (German Ambassador in London), at a meeting on Saturday of the Powers whose vessels are patrolling Spanish waters, demanded a quick decision for joint action, following a discussion in regard to the Leipzig incident. The German cruiser Leipzig, it is alleged, was the target of three torpedoes fired from a Spanish Government submarine, the missiles missing the bruiser. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Mr Anthony Eden) agreed that a serious incident had arisen, and he approved of Germany undertaking consultation before taking independent action. The conference decided to refer to the Governments concerned the suggested procedure as follows: 1. Germany will be asked to furnish more information, and efforts will also be made to secure evidence from independent non-intervention officials, 2. If the Powers are satisfied that the attacks occurred, they will demand an apology from the Valencia Government, with an explanation and a guarantee that there will be no repetition of the attacks. The Valencia Government will also be warned that further incidents will 'be met by immediate gunfire on the offending vessels and, possibly, their seizure and detention until the war has ended. DISGUSSI9N IN HOUSE OF COMMONS ’ INDEPENDENT INQUIRY SUGGESTED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 21. (Received June 22, at noon.) Mr Eden, in the House of Commons, described, the meetings that had taken place among the four Governments which were parties to the agreement of June 12 concerning the Leipzig incident. Mr Eden said the German Ambassador had presented a Note reporting that attempts had been made on the cruiser and requesting His Majesty’s Government to arrange that the four Governments should immediately concert measures to be taken in common. At the end of Mr Eden’s statement the.. Duchess .of Athol! asked if the Foreign Secretary was absolutely certain that the facts were as stated. Surely there should he an inquiry. Mr Lloyd George intervened: “I should, like to press that proposal. Surely there should be an independent investigation in view of the fact that Senor Prieto (Minister of War) definitely stated that the submarines of the Spanish. Government were in port at the time.” Mr Eden replied; “ I fully appreciate that point. Mr Lloyd George will appreciate my position. The importance of the inquiry is very much in my mind. Our object in these meetings is to secure the best possible solution of a difficult situation.”