A GERMAN REPRISAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23206, 2 June 1937, Page 9

A GERMAN REPRISAL

*+* WARSHIPS BOMBARD ALMERIA SHELLS RAINED ON THE TOWN TERRIBLE SCENES OF DESTRUCTION PEOPLE STRICKEN WITH FEAR

{United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) VALENCIA, May 31. An official communication states that the commandant of Almeria reported that a German battleship and four destroyers opened fire on Almeria without warning, 200 shots falling throughout the city. Many victims succumbed, and several - buildings wore destroyed. The coastal batteries replied, and the bombardment ceased after 65 minutes. The fleet then turned, throwing a smoke screen around it. The Germans also fired on mine-sweepers, which were hastily beached. A coastal battery apparently hit one of the destroyers. The loyalist Cabinet was convened upon receipt of the news. Senor del Vayo was instructed to discuss the situation with the League members after officially notifying the League of the bombardment.

HEAVY TOLL OF LIVES THE SEARCH FOR BODIES VALENCIA. May 31. Amid scenes of dreadful destruction at Almeria the search of the debris for bodies continues. The latest figures indicate that 36 were killed and 65 wounded. One hundred are missing. Hundreds more must have been killed but for a false air raid warning which last night sent the populace into bomb-proof shelters, where they were still huddled when the bc rbardment began. The rain of shells rapidly reduced much of the town to ruins. An eye-witness says: “When the bombardment ceased there were terrible scenes as the fear-stricken people emerged from the cellars or hurried to the city from the nearby countryside to search the shattered buildings for relatives and friends. Every house is down in one street.” Apart from its own population, Almeria was packed with refugees from Malaga. GRAVE VIEW TAKEN OPEN ACT OF AGGRESSION GENEVA, May 31. The loyalist Government has informed Senor del Vayo that German cruisers and two destroyers began bombarding Almeria at' 7 a.m. as a reprisal for the Deutschland incident. This is the first open act of aggression against the Valencia Government by German warships, and a grave view is taken of it. The Spanish Embassy is informed that five German warships participated in the bombardment, and that German submarines are attacking shipping. SPANISH PRESS INDIGNANT A CALL FOR UNITY MADRID, June 1. (Received June 1, at 11.30 p.m.) The newspapers are most indignant over the shelling of Almeria. Not a single paper hppes for League or Franco-British action. They therefore call for unity of the Popular Front against the Fascist invaders. GERMAN COMMUNICATION INDEPENDENT DECISION

LIST OF CASUALTIES VALENCIA, May 31. An official communication of the casualties at Almeria thus far ascertained are 19 killed and 55 injured. Thirty-nine houses were destroyed. The communication adds: “ There are no military objectives in the town.” The- British subjects present in Almeria during the bombardment included Sir George Young (formerly British Attache to Madrid) and two nurses and four ambulance attendants. MANY BURIED IN RUINS CATHEDRAL BADLY DAMAGED LONDON, May 31. (Received June 1, at 10 p.m.) The Times Almeria correspondent says the coast batteries fired 70 shells, forcing the German ships to withdraw from the shore. Some of the attackers were enveloped in smoke, believed to be the result of direct hits from the batteries. When the cannonading began, multitudes of panic-stricken people rushed into the streets. Their terror was increased by houses and walls crashing on all sides and nauseating fumes from bursting shells. Many were injured by falling debris. A similar fate overcame those remaining in houses. Numerous dead lie buried in the ruins, and portions of mutilated bodies are seen in the streets. It is feared that the death roll, when complete, will be high. Four of the chief streets suffered heavily, some shells destroying three or four houses. The telephone and electric light systems were practically destroyed. The sixteenthcentury cathedral was badly damaged. * Some of the shells were of 11-inch calibre and 39 inches long. AVERTING DEVELOPMENTS BRITISH AND FRENCH EFFORTS LONDON. May 31. (Received June 1, at 9 p.m.) The Times Paris correspondent says official circles indicate that France will refrain from action until the facts and implications under international law have been established. Meanwhile she intended to act in closest connection with Britain. Sir Eric Phipps has already consulted M. Blum, who conferred with the Russian and Spanish Ambassadors. It is generally felt that, even if the Spanish aircraft were at fault, the shelling of Almeria was an inexcusably savage reprisal. The Daily Mail says the British and French Governments are actively communicating by telephone to avert further developments, and are co-operating in an attempt to obtain an undertaking from the Spanish Government that there will be no repetition of the bombing of warships. Mr Eden sent a message to Valencia emphasising that international peace might be gravely strained in the event of a recurrence. His message followed an hour’s interview with Herr von Rihbentrop, who said that Germany did not intend to continue reprisals. Mr Eden said he hoped he would be able to obtain a guarantee regarding non-recur-rence. which would satisfy Italy and Germany, enabling the maintenance of the Non-intervention Committee. BOMBING OF DEUTSCHLAND PROFOUND REGRET IN BRITAIN (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, May 31. Tlie news of the bombing of the Gerttian battleship Deutschland at Iviza caused profound regret in British official circles, which was expressed to the German Minister by the Foreign Secretary. There is a feeling that the incident has come at a most unfortunate time for Europe in general, when certain optimism was permissible as the result of the relief of tension noticeable in recent weeks. This feeling: of dismay has not been lessened by the policy of retaliation which was immediately adopted by the German Government and which is deplored here. There is a strong conviction in London that what general interest demands, above all, is maximum restraint on every country’s part.

BERLIN, May 31. , A communication states: “As a reprisal for the criminal attack on the Deutschland lying at anchor, the fortified harbour of Almeria was bombarded by German naval forces this morning. The reprisal was concluded after the harbour works had been destroyed and the coastal batteries silenced. Germany’s decision regarding the reprisals was naturally taken independently. German warships in Spanish waters have been ordered to fire on any Spanish aeroplane or warship approaching them.” • A further communication states: “The German representative on the Non-intervention Committee has been instructed to submit officially corroborative evidence of the attack on a German warship, and to notify it of the Government's decision not to participate in the control system or the work of the Non-intervention Committee so long as there is no absolute guarantee given that such acts will not recur.” NO FURTHER GERMAN ACTION BERLIN, May 31, The Foreign Office spokesman says the bombardment ends the Deutschland incident. No further claim ■will be made and no further restitution demanded unless provoked by additional Spanish acts of aggression.

The German representative sent, a letter to the chairman of the Non-

intervention Committee containing a statement on the bombing of the Deutschland. A sub-committee met to consider further the question of security of warships of Powers participating in the observation scheme. In British circles the view is taken that there is no question of any change in Germany’s attitude to the principle of non-intervention, which she still supports, and hopes are entertained that the interruption of her association with the international committee’s work and naval control scheme will be purely temporary. The bombing of the Deutschland was the subject of a private notice of question in the House of Commons, to which the Foreign Secretary replied: “ I am not yet in receipt of full reports in regard to the incident, and I should prefer to make no further statement at present. I asked the German Charge d’Affaires to represent to his Government the earnest hope of his Majesty’s Government that the German Government would take no action such as would render the present grave situation graver still.”

MOURNING IN GERMANY * LONDON, May 31. (Received June 1, at 9 p.m.) The shadow of the Deutschland’s dead fell heavily across the celebrations to commemorate the battle of Jutland, which the Germans have been taught to regard as the greatest naval victory in history. A naval detachment proceeding to tire Unter den Linden to place a wreath on the war memorial in memory of the Deutschland's losses marched without music. Rear-admiral von Trotha, a Jutland veteran, addressing them, declared: “The seamen have been criminally murdered.” Three days of mourning have been ordered throughout Germany. All flags will be flown half-mast and decorated with crepe streamers. Meanwhile the German newspapers reiterate the allegation that Bolshevism is to blame for the bombing. They ask why it is always Fascist vessels, namely, Italian and German, which are attacked. DEATH OF ANOTHER RATING GIBRALTAR, May 31. Another Deutschland rating died in hospital. FRENCH DIPLOMATIC OPINION PARIS, May 31. Diplomats point out that the Deutschland could not be regarded as under the guidance of the Control Committee when she was bombed, because she was not then executing control functions. VESSEL SAILS FOR GERMANY GIBRALTAR, May 31. The Deutschland sailed for Germany after 12 more sailbrs had been sent to hospital. Twenty-three of the injured were already in hospital, four being critically injured. The damage to the Deutschland consists of a hole in the quarterdeck and a hole on the starboard side of the forepeak. BURIAL OF VICTIMS GIBRALTAR, May 31. (Received June 1, at 10 p.m.) British naval and military honours were accorded at the burial of the 24 Deutschland ratings. British naval bands headed the cortege of 12 motor lorries conveying the coffins, which were flanked by British and German naval ratings as pall bearers. SPANISH ALLEGATION WARSHIP FIRED FIRST GENEVA, May 31. (Received June 1, at 10 p.m.) Senor del Vayo communicated to the League that on Saturday afternoon two aeroplanes which were reconnoitring in rebel centres at Ibiza were fired on by German warships. The Spanish aircraft retaliated by bombing the aggressor, which the Spanish Government immediately announced, whereas the German Government waited for 24 hours to announce that the Deutschland had been bombed. The Note then declares that the bombardment of Almeria was flagrant aggression and the greatest outrage against a sovereign State of the acts of aggression committed by the German fleet since it intervened in Spain. . . „ The Note adds; “In view of the exceptional gravity of the act decided on by Germany, and in view of the announcement that Germany is despatching more warships, Spain asks that this communication be transmitted to members of the League.” INDIGNATION IN ITALY ARMISTICE PROPOSALS DEAD ROME, May 31. (Received June 1, at 9 p.m.) The bombing of the Deutschland has caused intense indignation. Signor Mussolini did not attend the baptism of the infant son of the Crown Prince, which is interpreted to be due to a lengthy telephone conversation with Herr Hitler. It is believed that if Italian vessels are again bombed Signor Mussolini will also bombard a Spanish city. Meanwhile the Government has issued the following communication: “Repeated attacks against Italian and German warships having plainly proved a premeditated plan of aggression, Italy lias decided to withdraw' from international control and its members from the Nonintervention Committee until means have been adopted to prevent new criminal attacks.” It is stated that Italy is sending naval reinforcements to Spain, that Signor Mussolini and Herr Semi-official comment emphasises Hitler will act jointly against the Spanish Government in the event of further provocation. They also expressed a determination to stand firm in Spain until the end of the war. Therefore the British armistice proposals are dead and buried.

REBEL LEADER’S VIEWS

"STAIN ON SPANISH HONOUR”

SALAMANCA, June 1. (Received June 1, at 11 p.m.) General Franco, addressing from a balcony at his headquarters 10,000 Italian and German sympathisers, described the bombing of the Deutschland as a stain on Spanish honour. He concluded with the cry, “ Long live Germany, Italy and Spain! ” Demonstrators afterwards marched to the Italian and German Embassies and cheered.

It is understood that Italy will also abstain from the meetings pending satisfaction. Italy is also withdrawing her warships from the control scheme. The meeting of the Non-interven-tion Committee has been indefinitely postponed. GUARANTEES IMPOSSIBLE LONDON, May 31. The German communication to the Non-intervention Committee says: “ The Government will decide upon measures to be taken in response to the underhand attacks.” The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says the Non-inter-vention Sub-committee, after an hour’s consideration, felt it would be unable to devise any plan of guarantee. EASTERN SPAIN FREE FROM SUPERVISION LONDON, June 1. (Received June 1, at 11.45 p.m.) The Morning Post’s diplomatic correspondent points out that the withdrawal of Italy and Germany from the control scheme leaves the whole of Eastern Spain free from supervision, greatly favouring the Valencia and Catalan Governments, to whose ports ships can now proceed without hindrance. SPANISH VESSEL TORPEDOED BY UNKNOWN SUBMARINE BARCELONA, May 31. An unknown submarine torpedoed the Spanish sailer Granada off Catalonia last evening, killing one and wounding two. THE CIUDAD DE BARCELONA LOSS OF FIFTY LIVES VALENCIA, May 31. An official communication stages that 50 were drowned when the Ciudad de Barcelona was torpedoed. Eleven bodies of the crew were recovered from the sea. Spanish fishermen picked up a number of survivors. Others swam ashore. AMERICA’S ATTITUDE

NO CHANGE OF POLICY

WASHINGTON, June 1. (Received June 1, at 10.30 p.m.) Senator Borah asserted that the German bombardment of Almeria amounted to an act of war. He demanded that the United States apply the recent neutrality law to all participants. The Spanish Embassy announced its intention of asking the United States to express its attitude in regard to the bombardment. In the meantime there is no indication of a change in the American Government’s policy of non-intervention. Mr Cordell Hull refused to comment on Senator Borah’s statement. Mr Hull said: “With a dictatorship war is always an immediate possibility. Dictators regard people as so much fuel to feed the war furnace. It is our duty to remain completely aloof.” He indicated that no request had been made to the United States to apply an arms embargo on Germany.

WARSHIP’S RIGHT TO BERTH

BERLIN, May 31. German officials insist on the Deutschland’s perfect right to berth in Iviza Harbour because under the control system ships off duty can enter the three-mile zone and anchor wherever they deem fit. THE PATROL SCHEME GERMANY SEEKS GUARANTEES LONDON. May 31. Herr von Ribbentrop has sent a letter to the Non-intervention Committee stating that Germany will discontinue her participation in the patrol scheme or discussions of the committee until she receives guarantees against a recurrence of incidents.

TENOR OF PRESS COMMENT

NECESSITY TO KEEP CALM LONDON, June 1. (Received June 2, at 1.30 a.m.) The keynote of official comment in London and Paris is the necessity of keeping calm. The Spanish Government observes similar restraint and declined to comment further beyond the statement recounting all the facts to the League. The French newspapers, while hoping that the incident is closed, regret that Germany showed brutal and violent reaction, which the Italians wisely avoided in the case of the bombing of the Palma. The German press indulges in diatribes against Bolshevism, but the tenor of the comments indicates that the official policy is likewise to use the soft pedal. A LOYALIST OFFENSIVE VALENCIA, June 1. (Received June 2, at 1.30 a.m.) The Government forces have resumed the offensive at Guadarrama. SANCTUARY FOR CHILDREN WORK OF SALVATION ARMY (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 1. A cable message reached Wellington to-day to the effect that General Evangeline Booth had agreed to take 1400 of the Basque refugee children on behalf of the Salvation Army. Already 400 of these children are housed in one of the Salvation Army’s London institutions at Clapton and 1000 others are being held in a concentration camp until such time as the Army can find suitable accommodation for them. The ages of the children are from five to 15 years. General Booth is desirous of increasing this number and will do so as funds are provided.