SUBMARINING

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1937, Page 5

SUBMARINING

COMMISSION SITS PATROL PLAN ADOPTED, (United Press Association—By 351ectrio Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, September .11. The Nine-Power Conference reJ assembled to-day at Nyon, and examined the British»Freneh patrol plan, which had been drastically amended, owing to the absence of any naval experts except French and British, it being considered that a discussion of the zone plan would, in such circumstances, become involved, by prolonged delays; whereas, a speedy decision was essential. A communique states that M.- Pouritch, Yugoslavian delegate, on behalf of the Balkan Entente, said that those Powers, after consideration by their naval forces, had decided: First, that each should be responsible for policing its own territorial waters; secondly, that each should consult the other riparian Powers with a view to collaboration; thirdly, that Britain and France should police the seas on the most-used routes. M. Kiosseivanoff, Bulgarian delegate, said that he supported the Entente’s declaration. M. Delbos (French Foreign Minister and delegate) submitted the Bri-tish-French draft text which, after changes were made, was approved, subject to the approval of the respective Governments. During the discussion, the Black Sea riparian Powers undertook to deal with submarines threatening freedom of traffic in that area. It whs agreed that the adopted text should be enforced immediately that the Governments signed up, for which purpose the Conference is to meet early next week. The details of the scheme were not disclosed, but it ! is understood that British and French destroyers will police the entire Mediterranean. Italy’s participation in the scheme is provided for in the Adriatic Sea, but .the proposals will be implemented,, probably on Tuesday next, even if Italy does not accept them. Russia will, with other nations, b*» responsible only for protection in the Black Sea. the Spanish Government I vessels nor the insurgent vessels will be protected. If a Spanish submarine, bedonging to either side, attacks other nations' shipping, the position will be as fol- ■ lows: If the submarine comes to tho f surtace, shows its flag, and gives tne * crew a chance of gaining safety, .in provided by the . London Maritime Convention of 1936, and then torpedoes the ship, its action will lead to national, but not international conse- 1 quences, inasmuch as it will be an act . 1 of war against the country whose vessel is sunk. The patrolling destroyer 1 will not intervene in such circumstan- 1 ces, but any submarine not observing . the rules will be treated as a pirate and sunk. <

ITALY’S CLAIM. HOME, September 11. Doubt is expressed as to whether Italy will agree to Britain and France alone patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, in which Italy claims complete equality with other Powers, but Italy may favour the proposals', provided that an invitation to do so comes from the Non-Intervention Committee.' PLAN EXPLAINED. LONDON, September 12. An explanatory communique from the Conference at Nyan announces that neither of the Spanish parties will bo accorded belligerent rights. Naval vessels will counter-attack, and, if possible, destroy any. submarine attacking any merchantmen not belonging to the Spanish parties contrary to international law as laid down in the London Naval Treaty of 1930. Naval vessels will also counter-at-tack any submarine in the vicinity of. any merchantman that is attacked in circumstances giving valid ground for a belief that a submarine, is guilty of the attack. The British and French fleets will implement the decisions in the western Mediterranean and in the Malta Channel, except in . the Tyrrhenian Sea which may be subject to special arrangements. British and French warships will also operate on the high seas in the eastern Mediterranean, except in the Adriatic Sea; but-the riparian Powers will Be responsible for their own territorial waters, and also are to allow the use of their ports. The communique adds that, in order to facilitate these, measures, no submarine belonging to the participant Powers shall enter the Mediterranean unless it is accompanied by a surface vessel, or unless it is in defined exercise zones. The Powers are not to admit any foreign submarine to their waters, unless in ease of urgent distress, or unless it is accompanied on the surface. The Powers will also advise merchantmen to follow agreed routes. It is understood that at least sixty destroyers will he employed to carry out the above decisions, forty per cent of which will be French destroyers. SPANISH FEARS. GENEVA, September 11. The Spanish Government’s delegation to the League expresses a fear that, the Nyan plan will protect ontv pon-Spanish vessels, and will establish

the rights to torpedo Spanish ships. Tt therefore says the plan is suspiciously similar to granting General Franco belligerent rights. ITALY’S ATTITUDE. ROME. September 11. It is authoritatively stated that there is not the slightest chance of Italy accepted the patrol plan if Russia is included in the patrol. Signor Mussolini has already declared that there is no room for Russia in the -Mediterranean,