Torpedoes Fired at Leipzig, Nazis Claim; Spanish Denial

Northern Advocate, 21 June 1937, Page 5

Torpedoes Fired at Leipzig, Nazis Claim; Spanish Denial

(Received 10 a.m.) ' -■■■■' LONDON, June 20. A MESSAGE from Berlin says an official communique issued yesterday in the German capital stated, that a Spanish Government submarine fired threfe torpedoes at the German cruiser Leipzig off Oran, Algeria, on the morning of June 15, two being fired in quick succes- ■ sion and the third half an hour later. Another torpedo was fired at the Leipzig on the afternoon of June 18. All missed, > The communique stated that it would be the duty of the patrolling Powers to take the requisite measures in accordance with their agreement. Germany, at any rate, was not willing to look on at the practice of shooting by Spanish Bolshevik U-boats until they scored a hit. When the news was received in Berlin, Herr Hitler was on his way to Dusseldorf. He immediately returned to Berlin and conferred with General von Blomberg, Admiral Raeder and Baron von Neurath until S.SlTp.m.

Patrolling Powers Meet. < The conference was resumed idffiay, when General Goering, who, in the meantime, bad flown to Berlin, participated. The German Ambassador, Herr von Ribbentrop, informed representatives of Britain, France, Italy and other patrolling Powers of the incident. The communique stated that the commander of the Leipzig had reported that the paths of the torpedoes were followed by a sound apparatus. In response to Germany’s request, the representatives of the patrolling Powers met at the Foreign Office in London at 5 p.m. A communique issued after the meeting stated that Mr Eden, M. Corbin ‘(France), Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Grandi (Italy), were present. Herr von Ribbentrop gave an account of reports from his Government regarding the incidents. The representatives of the Powers undertook immediately to consult their Governments and meet again not later than Monday.

Guarantee Wanted. Another message from Berlin says he Government spokesman said:

“Germany does not demand retaliation on the lines of the Almeria bombardment, but insists upon additional guarantees against a repetition of in which she can count on Italian support.”.

Spanish Government officials disclaim knowledge of- a submarine attack on the cruiser Leipzig. A spokesman today said too much credence could not be placed on German allegr ations after the Almeria bombardment, which, apparently, Germany was attempting to justify. Obviously, Germany was seeking to sway world opinion in her favour, while her war aeroplanes and Krupp’s artillery were bombarding Bilbao. False, Claims Minister. A'message from Valencia says the Government denies knowledge of the attacks on the Leipzig. It is stated that Spanish aerial pilots and captains of warships and submarines have received very strict orders to respect foreign vessels. The commander of a Spanish submarine would not dream of attacking a German warship. • On the other hand, Italian, if not German, submarines had sunk numerous Spanish merchantmen, with the loss of numerous lives. Senor Prieto, Minister of War, in declaring the German allegation to be false, said: “I stake my honour on this denial, in order to cut short a vile manoeuvre.”