POWERS’ NEUTRALITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 August 1936, Page 2

POWERS’ NEUTRALITY

ITALIAN RESERVATIONS THE CAMPAIGN’S PROGRESS [BY CABLE —TBBSS ASSN. COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, August HA communique issued by the Frenc i Embassy in Rome says the Italian reply to the French proposals is act herence in principle, but contains certain reservations. Until a complete understanding between Italy a d France is reached no particulars the negotiations will be revealed. The Rome correspondent of tne “Daily Mail” says it is believed that the reservations relate chiefly to.the protection of Italian nationals in the event of the Spanish Government proving manifestly incapable of guaranteeing their safety. Italy is also insisting on an indemnity for the shooting of the three Italians at Barcelona. The Rome correspondent of Tne Times” says it is stated that if the Italian Government does not receive a satisfactory reply it may be obliged to take other and more serious steps, especially as the situation in Spain is reported to be becoming hourly more threatening.

The Lisbon correspondent of “The Times” says the Portuguese Press publishes a Franco manifesto, in which the rebel leader says: “Spain is a republic and will remain so. Neither the regime nor the flag will be changed. The only change will be that, crime will be replaced by order, and acts of banditry by acts of progressive work." DUTCH DECISION. (Received August 12, 1.30 p.m.) THE HAGUE, August 11. The Dutch Government informed France that they would not allow the export or transport of arms and ammunition to Spain.

NO STRAITS BLOCKADE

[BRITISH OFFICIAL W’IRELESS]

RUGBY, August 11.

A Gibraltar Press message gives a denial to the reports in foreign newspapers, to the effect that the British Naval authorities have established a virtual blockade in the Straits of Gibraltar, and have forbidden naval action in the Bay of Gibraltar, with the result of hampering the action of the Spanish naval forces against the insurgents from Morocco. The only action, it is stated, which the British naval authorities at Gibraltar have taken, is to request the Spanish Government not to send warships into British waters, or to take action liable to endanger British life, shipping, and property.

THE END IN SIGHT.

BOTH SIDES CONFIDENT

(Reed. August 12. 8 a.m.). MADRID, August 11.

Both the Government and the rebels claim that the end of the civil war is in sight, each forecasting an early victory. The Ministry of War broadcast claimed that the Government, controlled three-quarters of Spain, including mines, foundries, important factories, and a widespread net of communications. It has not assaulted Seville, Cordova, Burgos and other historic cities, as it wishes to avoid destruction of precious artistic architectural treasures.

General Franco, interviewed at Lisbon, by the “Diario Lisboa,” similarly claims that victory is imminent. He has decided not to lead a march on Madrid, but direct operations from headquarters in Seville. He added that he ivishes to avoid bombarding Madrid, where hundreds of thousands sympathised with his armies, wherefore he hoped to besiege the capital until famine and thirst lead to a revolt to overthroiv the Government.

Heavy rain all along the Basque an offensive at San Sebastain, Irun and Tolosa. Large reinforcements from Pamplona suffered heavy casualties, as the roads were under heavy fire from Government batteries which, though largely obsolete guns, firing shells made as far back as 1910, are placed on commanding heights. Correspondents with the Government forces are impressed with the courage and endurance of the women. They work 12 to 14 hours, sleep on the ground, help to man the guns and fire machine-guns. The staff of General Franco have left the Balearic Islands as the situation is getting worse daily. ; Artillery engagements were reported on the Sanseoasti-Tolosa front intermittently in the morning, but rain' and poor visibility prevented severe fighting. Dellano reports a bombardment of Alhambra and Granada. It is uncertain which side was responsible, and whether it was damaged.

REBELS UNPOPULAR

(Recd. August 12, 11 a.m.) LONDON, August 11.

Reports from Spain state that the north of Spain is incensed at General Mola’s action in imposing income lax, also a tax on farm produce. A 'report from Casablanca states that the action of the rebels landing Riffians and Moors in Spain, to fight the Whites is alarming the French colonial authorities as unsettling the natives throughout the whole of Northern Africa.

“EXTERMINATION” ADVOCATED

(Recd. August 12, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 11. The prospect of a cessation of hostilities continues remote. The Socialist and Communist. Press emphasise it is a hard fight to the bitter end. The newspaper “Mundo Obrero” declares the slogan must be “Extermination,” while a woman Deputy, Ibarruri, (La Passionaria) urges the following of the enemies’ example by holding wives and children as hostages, and adds: "There can be no truce, pity or compassion.” | General Mola asserts the war will! end by one side or other being exterminated. Loyalists are working in the arms

and dynamite factories, near Oviedo, for 24 hours daily. The Government troops, besieging the city, refused to> allow water supplies to reach it, de- j manding prompt surrender. The Government declares it will force the sur-J render of other cities by similar | means. I Optimism in the capital is lug as the result of the Government’s capture of Gelsa Osera, on the Ebro

River, within twenty miles of Saragossa. „ .. The remaining members of the British colony indignantly repudiate the atrocity stories, retailed by unimportant refugees to certain British newspapers. Britons assert there have been no atrocities at Madrid. The British Chamber of Commerce and British clubs issue reassuring messages, adding that the business men are doing their best to continue operations.

GERMAN REFUGEES.

LONDON, August 11.

The Berlin correspondent of “The Times’’ says two more destroyers have gone to Spain for the protection of German subjects and to. secure their safe departure. So far, 600 German refugees from Madrid have been evacuated through Alicante Harbour under the protection of the battleship Admiral Scheer. There are still between 1200 and 1400 Germans in Madrid, of whom 300 desire to remain for economic reasons. Fifteen hundred are awaiting evacuation from Barcelona.

The’ Gibraltar correspondent of “The Times” says, the destroyer Blanche has arrived from Malaga bringing the last of the British refugees from the port, as well as several Cubans and other foreigners. DEATH SENTENCES. (Received August 12, 2 p.m.) BARCELONA, August 11.

The rebel leaders, Generals Goded and Burriel, who are prisoners aboard the steamer Uruguay, were sentenced to death by court martial, in the steamer's dining saloon. Colonel Dela Pena presided over eight officers. Civil Guards acted as warders. Three lawyers, thirty journalists, and photographers attended. Gcded admitted directing the Barcelona rebellion. Both declared they acted in the belief that they were cooperating in a general rising to repress the extremist unrest. They intended to respect the constitution of the Republic.

REBELS CAPTURE TOLOSA.

LONDON, August 11

The “News-Chronicle’s” correspondent on the Saragossa front announced that the Loyalists are within seven miles of tlie city, which, though held by a rebel garrison, contains a populace entirely governmental in their sympathies. This explains why Loyalist columns are marching across scorching shadeless desert instead of bombing the city into submission. The rebel advance in a new battle for San Sebastian was checked three miles from Irun. Nevertheless, six thousand rebels, supported by aeroplanes, motorised machine guns and heavy artillery, launched their first big battle in full armament strength, and after eight hours desperate fighting, captured Tolosa. General Mola’s army now occupies a triangle bounded by Oyarzun and Endarlaza, in the neighbourhood of Irun.

PLANE RELEASED.

PRAGUE, August 10

The aeroplane in which the Spanish courtiers, who accompanied King Alfonso to Austria, arrived from Spain has been released. Tne pilot, Mr. Owen Cathcart Jones, took off for an unknown destination.