SPANISH BORDER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21305, 18 January 1944, Page 3

SPANISH BORDER

NAZI AGENTS ACTIVE

PRE-JNVASION RUMOURS

(By Telegraph--Press Assn. —Copyright.)

LONDON, Jan. 16.

Disquieting reports in the last few days have come from foreign countries closely in touch with Spain, chiefly concerning the concentration ot German divisions in the Pyrenees and the presence of German agents in Spain, says a British United Press correspondent. The source of such reports cannot safely be set aside as mere rumours.

One report states that reliable information has been received that between 12 and 18 German divisions, including armoured units , and parachutists, have been concentrated north of the Pyrenees. The report coincided with a broadcast from Vichy stating: “An Allied landing is certainly possible in Spain or Portugal, where the Allies may count on support in the form of strikes, mutinies and revolts. Dr. Salazar’s and General Franco’s Governments may be expected to put up a stiff resistance and will no doubt, defend themselves energetically.’’ There is something ominously reminiscent about that phraseology. It has the same ring as the German excuses for invading neutral countries in the earlier days of the war. Possibly more significant are reports that nearly 1000 German tourists have suddenly turned up in Spain in the last 10 days. It is believed that they intend to indulge in terrorist acts and inspire demonstrations after the usual Axis fashion. ' They are believed _to have been responsible for placing bombs in the ships carrying oranges to Britain from Valencia.