BOMBINGS IN SPAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 July 1938, Page 7

BOMBINGS IN SPAIN

SHIPS’ PROFITABLE VENTURES MR. CHAMBERLAIN’S FIRMNESS [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, June 3. The Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, addressed a, muss meeting at Kettering and made reference to Spanish bombings. He said: ’riie.se shipowners are getting four-fold and even fivefold the ordinary freights. The Prime Minister added: After learning that they were getting these rates, wo could not protect these ships in Spanish territorial waters. The British Government would be betraying its trust if it took action that might involve it in war. lie stated that this did not mean any condonation of bombings or British recognition of aerial blockade ports. It had been difficult to reconcile General Franco’s explanations with some of the facts, but, perhaps, the airmen did not always adhere to their instructions. Mr. Chamberlain added: “I am not going to be diverted from the policy which I believe to ho right, by any illnatured and ill-informed criticism, but I regret that cur Opposition have been creating the impression abroad of national disunity. I do not believe that this country desires the adoption of a challenging and aggressive attitude, instead of an attitude of seeking tor peace: but if there were no other way of preserving freedom, we would fight again." . ~E , OR SAGUNTO (Rec. July 4, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 3. “The Times’s” correspondent says: Both sides are concentrating their most powerful elements for the important battle for Sagunto. The rebels claim many prisoners in the capture of two villages, but progress is arduous and costly. Though each side disposes of eighty thousand troops, the rebels are overwhelmingly superior aerially. The loyalists are determined to hold Sagunto and Valencia at all costs, and are moving the best troops and commanders to this front.