SERIOUS OBSTACLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 December 1936, Page 9

SERIOUS OBSTACLES

ANGLO-SPANISII TRADE CLEARING AGREEMENT - SUSPENDED (British Official Wireless; RUGBY, 17th December. The Anglo-Spanish clearing agreement has been suspended, according to an announcement made in the House of Commons.

The statement pointed out that the clearing procedure had ceased to work and had placed serious obstacles in the way of Anglo-Spanish trade. It had been agreed in principle with the Spanish Government that the bulk of all sterling obtained from the export of Spanish goods to the United Kingdom would be used for the purchase of United Kingdom goods. Necessary arrangements would be made with the Spanish Government in concert with his Majesty’s Government. Similar informal assurances had been obtained regarding Spanish territory not under the control of the Spanish Government.

Another House of Commons reply stated that the Government would as soon as circumstances permitted take aporopriate steps to protect the interests of United Kingdom creditors of Spain.

AMERICAN GUNBOAT FIRED ON

(United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) MADRID. 18th December. The rebel battleship Espana fired on the United States gunboat Erie, Which was lying in the harbour ot Oijon, when the Espana commenced to bombard the port. When the Erie ran up the American flag and prepared for action the Espana headed westward at full speed.

AIR RAID CASUALTIES MADRID, 17th December. Casualties in yesterday’s air raid were sixty-three killed and 203 injured, the majority being women and children. Two districts were almost destroyed.