FOREIGNERS WARNER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 303, 20 November 1936, Page 7

FOREIGNERS WARNER

BY SPANISH REBELS. THREAT TO BARCELONA. AVAR MEASURES PENDING. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.). Received November 20, 12.5.p.m. RUGBY, Nov. T 9. The British and other Governments iiavo received a circular from the Burgos Administration indi- . eating its intention to take warmeasures against Barcelona, and advising foreign shipping and foreign residents to leave the port.

In reply to Mr A. V. Alexander (a former First Lord of the Admiralty) with regard to the statement reported in the Press of the proposed blockade and possible bombardment of Barcelona, Mr R. A. Eden said in tlie House of Commons that Britain’s position remained governed- by the rules followed since'the dispute began. In regard .to the protection of British shipping, the rules which normally governed international action in -such matters would bo pursued by His Majesty’s ships in defence of British interests. REBELS’ DIRE THREAT. LONDON, Nov. 19. Aiming to prevent the arrival of foreign war materials destined lor Government supporters. General Franco has declared a blockade of Barcelona and informed all Powers that “every means of warfare” will be used to stop this traffic. The Times says it is, unlikely that the British Government will admit General Franco’s right to bombard Barcelona indiscriminately without previous indication of a salety zone lor neutral shipping. Several destroyers are at present in Catalan waters within easy reach of Barcelona. They will not invite trouble, but will be continually in readiness to embark Britishers and other foreigners wishing to leave. A Moscow message alleges that two more Soviet f reighters were - searched by the rebels. Ihe newspapers comment: “Franco’s pirate snips are deliberately trying to provoke international complications." Five insurgent aeroplanes flew over Madrid at 2.00 a.m. and dropped over a dozen incendiary bombs.

CONCERN IN BRITAIN

EXAMINATION OF POSITION

Received November 20, 10.5 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 19. It is understood that Whitehall experts are busily investigating General Franco’s right to blockade Barcelona, likewise measures to protect British shipping. . An insurgent cruiser twice shelled Barcelona last night. General. Franco has sent a message to tlie authorities in London indicating that the safety of British warships at certain ports, including Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante, and Cartagena, would. only be guaranteed at. specified anchorages. >r

Barcelona is a city and seaport standing Oil the north-east coast of Spain, at the mouth of the Llobregat Valley, 400 miles by railway north-east of Madrid. It consists of an old town, a now town, and a shipping quarter, and there is a hirgo harbour. The population in 1932 was 1,1X)9,755.