PIRACY PATROL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1937, Page 5

PIRACY PATROL

NOW EFFECTIVE SATISFACTION AT SIGNATURES. (United Press Association —By (Electric Telegtaph—Copyright). LONDON, September 14. The French Foreign Minister, M. Delbos, at the conclusion of the Nyon Conference, explained that the agreement becomes effective immediately. Dr. Gayda, writing in “Gioruale d’ltalia,” says: The general effect of the Nyon Agreement seems to defend Russian transports going to Spain with war materials, and to support the movement which, if successful, would violently alter the whole Mediterranean system. The Conference empowered the President to convoke a further meeting, at Geneva, to handle the technical details of the arrangements. The successful rapid conclusion of the Nyon Conference by signatures to the plan is welcomed in London, as—in the words of the French Foreign Minister in his closing speech as President of the Conference —“putting an end to the grave situation.” British comment likewise agrees with M. Delbos’ estimate, that accord is practical and effective. ANGLO-FRENCH NAVIES. ARRANGE TO OPERATE PATROL. LONDON, September 15. Italy has refused to participate in the “anti-Piracv” patrol unless she is admitted on equal terms with Britain and France. The refusal will not be allowed to hold up the plan.

and France

The Paris correspondent of the “Morning Post” says: The British and French Naval authorities in the Mediterranean are already arranging for the closese collaboration between their two navies. The movements of their vessels will be decided on by a concerted discussion, and each country Is to place naval and air- bases-at the disposal of the other lor the accomplishment of their common duties.

The Admiralty announce that ten more warships, comprising the light cruiser “Cairo” and the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla, are proceeding to the Mediterranean, to join the patrol. The Admiralty is discussing details of the patrol with Sir Dudley Pound, Conynander-in-Chiei of the Mediterranean Fleet, says the “Guardian’s” naval correspondent. The British patrol will he 1400 miles long, and the 36 vessels, allocated thereto, will use up much fuel. The estimated cost is £2OO a week per destroyer, even when steaming at economical speed. The dispatch of stores will be a heavy item. The extra charge on the Navy estimates may amount to- £1250 a week. The ships are continually moving and naturally suffer abnormal wear and tear. The total cost of control may be around £350,000. Vice-Admiral Esteva will command the French Naval anti-piracy force, consisting of two divisions of destroyers, four divisions of torpedo boats, am aircraft carrier, one squadron of bombing planes, one of scouts, ten giant and other smaller seaplanes. ITALY’S STAND. LONDON, September 15. The Italian Government, in its note, intimating its refusal to participate in the Mediterranean anti-submarine patrol, says: “Apparently, only the Tyrrhenian Sea is to be confided to Italy for the exercise of patrol measures, in the event (if Hali m adhesion to the plan; while (practically the whole of the Mediterranean Sea would he confided to the British and th® French fleets.

“This situation is not acceptable to Italy. Italy’s vital interests are in the Mediterranean, and these made it essential that she should enjoy absolute equality with any other power in any zone within the Mediterranean.” FRENCH THREAT. LONDON, September 15. The 15 iris correspondent ol the “Daily Telegraph” says: The Government’ of France Vis .informed the Nyon Conference Powers that il the Italian and German reaction to the new patrol agreement is more intensive intervention in Spain, they will immediately open the French Pvrcness frontier. MR EDEN’S STATEMENT. GENEVA. September Jo. Mr Eden said: “I hope that our work will be approved by the world. There is nothing we will welcome more than the close collaboration of all interested nations, whether represented here or not. in the execution of our decisions.” Mr Eden, broadcasting on the submarine piracy, likened the perpetrators to masked highwaymen who did not stop short ol

manslaughter or even murder, arousing the horror of all civilsed people by their barbarous methods. In bis broadcast regarding the Nyon Conference, Mr Eden said: Recent submarine sinkings constitute a kind of gangster terrorism in the seas. What he have done is to authorise patrolling vessels to counter attack, and if possible destroy, any submarine actually engaged in piracy. The same action will be taken against anv submarine found so close to the scene of actual attack that, there is no reasonable doubt of its guilt. We believe we have stopped submarine piracy in the Mediterranean.”