PORTUGAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21308, 13 April 1931, Page 7

PORTUGAL

REPORTED ALL QUIET FEELING OF UNCERTAINTY (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LISBON, April 10. Two punitive transports quietly slipped out to Madeira, but it is suggested that they may be recalled in the event of adverse developments in Portugal. The Government persists in its statement that all is quiet throughout the country, but the British United Press correspondent says that troops are being concentrated at strategic points. LISBON, April 11. (Received April 12, at 7.50 p.m.)

The Government admits a revolt at the Azores and the disbandment of the garrisons at Sao Miguel and Terccira, hut the troops at Horta have telegraphed their loyalty to the Government, which had issued a decree dismissing military and civil servants participating in the revolt. A CURRENCY MEASURE. STRENGTHENING THE PESETA. MADRID, April 11. (Received April 12, at 6.20 p.m.) A royal decree, recalling the measures taken in France when the franc was palling, aims at strengthening the peseta. It forbids the export of gold and also notes above a total of £ll4, the purchase of foreign securities abroad with pesetas, and does not allow private banks to hold foreign currencies. MESSAGE INTERCEPTED. ALLEGED REVOLUTIONARY ACTION. MANY ARRESTS MADE. LONDON, April 11. (Received April 12, at 5.5 p.m.) The Times’s Lisbon correspondent states that the Government has intercepted a wireless message from Madeira showing that the rebels are imploring information and directions from Dr Machada, ex-president, who is working in conjunction with colleagues in Paris. Dr Machada replied that a strong revolutionary movement is about to break out in Portugal. This message was also intercepted. Dr Machada and other members of the rebels’ league are at present in Madrid. Many arrests have been made throughout Portugal.—Times Cable.

TROOPSHIPS WITHHELD. LONDON, April 11. (Received April 12, at 7.40 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph’s Madrid correspondent reports that the two troopships intended for Madeira are still at anchor off the Portuguese coast. Apparently the Government prefers to keep them nearby. Large military forces occupy Lisbon and Oporto. AN EXCITING DAY. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN PROGRESS. MADRID, April 12. (Received April 12, at 7.50 p.m.) Tense excitement prevails throughout the country over Sunday’s municipal elections, which are regarded as a rehearsal for the general election in June. The voting is expected clearly to indicate the strengths of the Monarchists and the Republicans. The campaign is marked by unusually violent language. In many cities the Monarchist and Anti-Monarch-ist Parties coalesced to permit a clearcut issue. The newspapers are so partisan that they are refusing their opponents’ advertising. The whole force of the Church is supporting the Monarchists. /