Rock Will Cost Attacker 150,000 Men

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 99, 28 April 1941, Page 5

Rock Will Cost Attacker 150,000 Men

Complete Subterranean Town Hewn by Canadians GIBRALTAR CALM, CHEERFUL AND CONFIDENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Sunday, 10.30 p.m. LONDON, April 25. The Gibraltar correspondent of the British United Press states that any attempt to take Gibraltar will cpst the lives of at least 150,000 men and the result would still he doubtful for the attacker. This is the view of a senior Spanish officer who lias just visited the Rock. His opinion is shared by high Spanish army officials. Gibraltar is now going through a state of complete preparedness for any emergency. Thousands of the inhabitants have been evacuated, many to London. Canadian hardrock miners a week ago completed the construction of a subterranean town inside the rock with underground roads, passages, hospitals, canteens, stores, magazines, shelters, offices and even rest centres. Reservoirs h,old 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 Oort’s apopintment to Gibraltar shows clearly that the British Government ia well aware of the danger and that the hour of attack against the Ity>ck may be very near. Lord Gort is an ideal man to defend Gibraltar. His record proves that he is an astute soldier of matchless courage and tenacity. 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 ag,o. The Germans are pressing for the control of cables and wireless. The Spanish Foreign Minister (Senor Suner) who is confident of his ascendancy over General Franco, recently told the American Ambassador (Mr. Weddell): “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.