THREAT TO GIBRALTAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 April 1941, Page 8

THREAT TO GIBRALTAR

GERMAN BASES IN SPAIN

FOREIGN MINISTER'S SUPPORT.

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, April 26.

The neutrality of Spain is gravely threatened, says the diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” quoting a very authoritative quarter. The Germans are said to have made detailed plans for an attempt to close the Straits of Gibraltar, and they are already constructing airfields in south Spafh, notably at Cadiz, Huelva, and other points nearer Gibraltar, where numbers of German aeroplanes are stored, anti-air-craft gun? mounted, and gun crews and ground staffs have already arrived. After the German advance in Libya, additional technicians arrived, work being pushed on at feverish speed, and the Germans scarcely attempting to conceal their preparations. German aeroplanes have actually flown over Madrid. The French-Spanish frontier has been closed since April 4. The Spanish Foreign Minister (Senor Suner) last week told the Cabinet that he considered his chief mission was to prepare Spanish ptilie opinion for the passage of German forces across Spain. The Minister lor War (General Varela) and the Minister for Air (Senor Vigon) share Senor Suner’s conviction of a German victory. The Ministry for. the Interior is practically a branch of the Gestapo. The Germans are expected soon to transfer their African headquarters to Tangier because of its advantages as a control post opposite Gibraltar and as a dominating point off French Morocco. The appointment is expected of a German Minister to Tangier with a largely increased staff to dominate the town. A Press censorship was established a few days ago, and the Germans are pressing for control of the cable and wireless systems.

Senor Suner is confident of his ascendency over General Franco. He recently told the American Ambassador to Spain (Mr. A. W. Wendell): “I hope for and believe in a German victory. I will stop at nothing to help hasten it.” Spain’s petrol supplies are reported to be good. The Gibraltar correspondent of the British United Press states that, any attempt to take Gibraltar will cost the lives of at least 150,000 men, and the result would still be doubtful for the attacker. This is the view of a senior Spanish officer who has just visited Gibraltar, and his opinion is shared by high Spanish Army officials. Gibraltar is now going through the state of complete preparedness for an emergency. Thousands of the inhabitants have been evacuated, many to London. Canadian hard-rock miners a week ago completed trie construction of a subterranean town inside the rock, with underground roads, passages, hospitals, canteens, stores, magazines, shelters, offices, and even rest centres. Reservoirs hold millions of gallons of water. Gibraltar itself is calm and cheerful. The troops relax in cafes, cinemas, and theatres after their jobs are done. The “Daily Express” says Lord Gort’s appointment as Governor of Gibraltar shows clearly that the British Government is well aware of the danger that the hour of attack against the rock may be very near. Lord Gori is an ideal man to defend Gibraltar. His record proves that he is an astute soldier of matchless courage and tenacity.