BOMBING OF OPEN TOWNS

Evening Star, Issue 22913, 22 March 1938, Page 9

BOMBING OF OPEN TOWNS

PROTEST TO GENERAL FRANCO CONTRARY TO EVERY DICTATE OF HUMANITY Press Association— By Telegraph-Copyright LONDON, March 21. ‘The Times’ says the British Note to General Franco on the bombing of Barcelona reminds General Franco that such attacks are contrary to the principles of international law and every dictate of humanity and puMic opinion. It is understood that France has asked the Vatican to join in the appeal to end the bombing of open towns. It is felt that General Franco may heed an appeal from the Vatican, because he rarely misses an opportunity Of declaring his allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church. FRANCE STRENGTHENING FRONTIER DEFENCES LONDON, March 21. (Received March 22, at 8 a.m.) The ‘ Daily Herald’s ’ Paris correspondent says the general staff has ordered’the immediate strengthening of the defences on the- Franco-Spanish frontier, whore garrisons are being reinforced and modernised in anticipation of General Franco’s victory. The general staff is considering methods of fortifying the communications of France with her North African colonies in the event of Germano-Italian occupation of the Spanish Mediterranean coasts. FOREIGN INTERVENTION QUESTIONS IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT. LONDON, March 21. (Received March 22, at 11.5 a.m.) In the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain said information showed that the report of the landing of 30,000 Germans in Spain was false. Labour members heckled the Government about Itaflo-German intervention in Spain. Mr R. A. Butler said it was common knowledge that both sides have received help. He refused to answer supplementary questions, saying it was difficult to get confirmation of every detail.

BRITISH RESIDENTS URGED TO LEAVE BARCELONA, March 21. (Received March 22, at -11 a.m.) British residents in Barcelona have been notified that H.M.S. Penelope will be at Barcelona on. March 23 and 24, and are urged to take the opportunity of going to Marseilles. They are again reminded that embarkation on Win Majesty’s ships may not be possible in the case of emergency. INSURGENT BOMBER SHOT DOWN BARCELONA, March 21. (Received March 22, at 10 a.m.) Government anti-aircraft guns shot down an insurgent bomber near Calella, north of Barcelona. One of the crew was killed and the remainder captured.