TENSION GROWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22956, 7 February 1938, Page 10

TENSION GROWS

CHANGE IN EUROPE MEDITERRANEAN EVENTS SIGNOR MUSSOLINI'S MOOD By Telegraph—Pross Association —Copyright LONDON, Feb. 4 The Australian Associated Press says that within 24 hours the European outlook has radically changed. Events, if they have not moved to a crisis, have certainly increased tension.

The torpedoing of the British steamer Endymion and the bombing and sinking of the Alcira, combined with Britain's decision to sink submarines at sight, opens up incalculable possibilities.

There is little doubt that the submarine involved was not manned by Italians, but was one of the two supplied to General Franco from Italy. It is believed that submarines, beside the four Italian destroyers transferred to General Franco, in addition to the rebel aeroplanes, are based on Majorca. Under the sink-at-sight decision, Britain will presumably be ablo to station a naval patrol in the vicinity of Majorca and sink any submarine detected under the surface.

Meanwhile, the political upheaval in Germany and the economic crisis in Italy, with the uncertainties of tho dictators' next moves, arouse apprehension.

Signor Mussolini is known to be in a dangerous mood, even distrusting Germany, with whom his relations have deteriorated. II Dtice considers that Germany is merely using Italy and will abandon her the moment it is practicable.

Consequently Signor Mussolini is trying to force a bargain with Britain, giving him great power in the Mediterranean. However, whilo Mr. Chamberlain would like the least limited rapprochement with Italy, other members of Cabinet suspect II Duce of trying to play the same game with Britain as Germany is trying with Italy.

COMBATING PIRACY BRITAIN'S NEW PLAN ITALY IN AGREEMENT STRENGTHENING OF MEASURES (Received February 6, 6.55 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 5 It is indicated at Whitehall that Britain has evolved a new plan for dealing with submarine piracy in the Mediterranean. The attack on the steamer Endvmion has shown that the present measures need extension and strengthening. While Britain intends to take such measures in her patrol area, she notified Italy and France to enable them to make suggestions and observations. The Italian Embassy handed to Mr. Eden the Italy reply. It concurrs with the British measures,and expresses the intention to act similarly in the Italian patrol zone against piracy in the Mediterranean.

BRITAIN'S REARMAMENT

NO ANXIETY FOR SCOPE INFLUENCE IN STABILISATION British Wireless RUGBY, Feb. -1 Speaking at Birmingham, the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, paid a tribute to tho work of Sir Thomas Inskip as Minister for Coordination oi Defence. He said now that the initial difficulties of the rearmament programme had been overcome, he did not think there was any need for anxiety whether it was going fast enough or far enough. He believed the lessening of tension and increased feeling of security in Europe was largely due to the progross of British rearmament. At the same time tho Government was always seeking a way out and for a means to break through the senseless competition in arms, in which the efforts of each nation to securo advantage over the others were continually cancelled out.

"A way out," he added, "can only be found by frank and free discussion by those who share our desires." Referring to the exchange of Spanish war prisoners, Mr. Chamberlain said the main condition on which agreement to such exchange was likely to be reached was that Britain should appoint an official arbitrator. Britain was willing to do this.

FLAGS PAINTED ON SHIP PROMINENT DISPLAY MADE British Wireless RUGBY, Feb. 4 The Admiralty has received confirmation of the sinking of the steamer Alcira, which, in addition to flying the British and international control flags, had a Union Jack painted prominently on the bridge and sides.

INQUIRY INTO SINKING WARSHIP PAYS A CALL (Received February 6, 6.55 p.m.) BARCELONA, Feb. 5 H.M.S. Newcastle arrived at Barcelona to investigate tho sinking of the Alcira and then departed for Marseilles with the crew of the ship and the non-intervention observer.