Forty Batteries Of German Guns For Rebels

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1939, Page 7

Forty Batteries Of German Guns For Rebels

(Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, January 25. The Basque Government delegation to Paris states that 40 batteries of German 6.5 centimetre guns v/ere unloaded recently at Pasajes, on the north coast of Spain, and are still being tested in the San Sebastian area near the French frontier. The statement adds that during December 30,000 tons of German war materials were unloaded at Vigo and concentrated at Vittoria. It is officially denied from Rome that large scale military activity is under way but it is admitted that some of the older classes of men who did not serve in the world war have been partially recalled for special training. The Italian newspapers are concentrating upon Spain, and all declare Barcelona’s fate fs sealed. They again accuse France of helping the Republicans.

Aviators with Foreign Accent. A report from Oran, North Africa, says that five military aviators picked up by a British freighter from a wrecked seaplane were brought to Oran. When questioned by the French naval authorities the officers replied: “We are Spanish.” They said they ran out of fuel. The French noticed that they spoke Spanish with a peculiar accent, and all were being detained. It is believed the machine was an Italian one returning after bombing Valencia, and was forced down by anti-aircraft guns en route to its base.