NOW BEARING FRUIT

Evening Star, Issue 23189, 11 February 1939, Page 21

NOW BEARING FRUIT

BRITISH POLICY IN SPAIN GOVERNMENT'S SHARE IN DEVELOPMENTS WELCOMED (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph —Copyright RUGBY, February 10. (Received February 11, at 11.30 a.m.) London generally expresses satisfaction at yesterday’s developments regarding Minorca, and with the British Government’s share in them. ‘ The Times ’ says: “ The steady impartiality of British policy throughout the war has begun to bear fruit. Both sides realise that Britain desires only a united settlement and a peaceful Spain. The mission to Minorca has been completed in that region by diplomatic means, a process which could otherwise have been completed only by extension of hostilities. It is a welcome achievement, which need surely cause neither suspicion nor jealousy elsewhere—and there have been signs of both.”

The ‘Daily Telegraph’ says: “Fortunately the signs and portents scorn to point to a conclusion of peace by agreement in Spain, and a prelude to such a conclusion is to bo recognised in the undisputed transfer of Minorca from Republican to Nationalist occupation. If one of His Majesty’s ships was able to render disinterested service in the completion of that transfer, it is a fact which should bring relief rather than excite suspicion, as it seems to have done in Berlin. It means that one more danger spot has been removed, and that the possibility of accommodation between the obdurate antagonists has been demonstrated.” REPUBLICAN CABINET AT VALENCIA FRANCO PREPARING FOR CENTRAL CAMPAIGN, LONDON, February 10. (Received February 11, at 11 a.m.) The British United Press correspondent at Barcelona says Dr Negrin, Senor Del Vayo, and other Cabinet members have arrived at Valencia. The rebels have occupied Port Bou and have ■reached the frontier. They have also occupied Puigcerda. Rebel airmen bombed Cartagena, Alicante, Alcoy, and other towns. General Franco has withdrawn some of his troops from Catalonia for a rest preparatory to advancing towards Central Spain. A message from Cerbere says the Republicans blew up Port Bou in order to cover their retreat. The last arniy of 3,000 men have crossed the frontier. TO ABANDON RESISTANCE GENERAL MIAJA’S PLANS. , LONDON, February 10. The ‘ Daily Mail ’ says it has been reliably stated that General Miaja has decided to abandon resistance, and a warship is being placed at his disposal at any moment. The correspondent adds that British and French recognition of General Franco is a matter of days. France yesterday sent London proposals for de jure recognition, which the Cabinet is considering. A message from Toulouse states that Dr Negrin and Senor del Vayo arrived by oar, and are staying at the Spanish Consulate. BEFORE THE OCCUPATION ITALIAN PLANES BOMB ISLAND. MARSEILLES, February 10. (Received February 11, at 10.5 a.m.) According to the refugees on H.M.S. Devonshire, fighting broke out in Minorca while the negotiations were taking place aboard the cruiser. Italian planes bombed the island, killed several people, and wrecked 30 houses. The cruiser was struck with bomb splinters.

BRITISH MEDIATOR’S PROTEST MARSEILLES, February 10. (Received February 11, at 11 a.m.) “ I telegraphed a protest to Burgos, but the bombing did not cease, declared Captain Muirhead Gould, when commenting on the attack on Minorca. He added: “I sent two telegrams of protest. The first was not answered and the second message received the reply that the action was a mistake. My sole condition for helping to bring the parties together was the understanding that there was to be no bombing and no executions. The bombing started on February 8 while the envoys were negotiating for surrender of the town, whose population had fled in panic. T embarked the refugees and departed-” ___ SIX AIR RAIDS ON PORT MAHON MARSEILLES, February 10. (Received February 11, at 1.30 a.in.) It is learned that there were six raids on Port Mahon. STRUCK BY ANTI-AIRCRAFT SHELL SPLINTERS LONDON, February 10. (Received February 11, at 10 a.m.) The Associated Press learns that anti-aircraft shell splinters struck the Devonshire. No damage was done and there ■wore no injuries. Senor Sanluis, who was aboard, arranged for an immediate investigation with the Nationalists at Majorca, whence it is believed the bombers came..

WILL FIGHT ON GENERAL MIAJA’S DETERMINATION. MADRID, February 10. (Received February 11, at 10.15 a.m.) General Miaja had a conference with the military leaders and again expressed his determination to fight for liberty and independence. HELP FOR REFUGEES BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION. LONDON, February 10. (Received February 11, at 10.30 a.m.) The Australian Associated Press says the British Government js contributing a further £BO,OOO for assistance to the Spanish refugees. The International Commission is still working at Barcelona, where children are suffering from malnutrition.