ALLEGED ATTACK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23222, 21 June 1937, Page 10

ALLEGED ATTACK

GERMAN SHIP INVOLVED TORPEDOES FROM SPANISH SUBMARINE CALL FOR REQUISITE ACTION LOYALISTS ISSUE STRONG DISCLAIMER (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) BERLIN, June 19. (Received June 20. at 6.30 p.m.) An official communique states that a Spanish Government submarine fired three torpedoes at the cruiser Leipzig off Oran on the morning of June 15. Two of the torpedoes were fired in quick succession, and the thiri came half an hour later. Another torpedo was fired at the Leipzig on the afternoon of June 18. 'All the missiles missed their mark

The communique says; " It will be the duty of the patrolling Powers to take the requisite measures in accordance with the agreement. Germany at any rate is unwilling to look on at the practice of shooting by Spanish and Bolshevist U boats until they score a hit"

HITLER'S RETURN TO BERLIN When the news was received in Berlin Herr Hitler was en route to Dusseldorf. He immediately returned to Berlin, where he conferred with the Minister of Defence (Marshal von Blomberg), Admiral Raeder. and the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Baron von Neurath) until 3.30 a.m The conference was resumed to-day, when General Goering, who meanwhile had flown to Berlin, participated. Herr von Ribbentrop, at London, informed the representatives of Britain, France, Italy and the other patrolling Powers of the incident, A communique stated that the commander of the Leipzig reported from Oran that the paths of the torpedoes were followed by sound apparatus. GERMANY'S REQUEST GOVERNMENTS TO BE CONSULTED LONDON, June 20. (Received June 20, at 7.30 p.m.) A communique states that Mr Anthony Eden, M. Corbin, Herr von Ribbentrop and Signor Grandi met at the Foreign Office. Herr von Ribbentrop gave an account of the reports from the German Government regarding the Leipzig. The representatives present > undertook immediately to consult their Governments and to meet not later than Monday. A Berlin message states that the Government spokeman said that Germany does not demand retaliation on "the lines of the Almeria reprisals, but insists on additional guarantees against a repetition of the attacks. In this she can count on Italian support. • ALLEGATIONS DECLARED FALSE "SEEKING TO SWAY WORLD OPINION " LOYALISTS' DISCLAIMER MADRID, June 19. (Received June 20, at 6.30 p.m.) Officials disclaim knowledge of the submarine attack on the Leipzig. The Government spokesman said: " Too much credence cannot be placed on German allegations after the bombardment of Almeria, which they are apparently attempting to justify. Germany is obviously seeking to sway world opinion in her favour while her warplanes and Krupp's artillery are bombarding Bilbao." A message from Valencia says that the Government denies knowledge of the attacks on the Leipzig. It is stated that Spanish aerial pilots, the captains of warships and submarines, received the strictest orders to respect foreign vessels. "A VILE MANCEUVRE" "A Spanish submarine would not dream of attacking a German warship," an official said. "On the contrary, Italian, if not German submarines, sank numerous Spanish merchantmen, with the loss of numerous lives." Senor Prieto. Minister of War, in declaring the German allegation false, says: " I will stake my honour on this denial, in order to cut short a vile manoeuvre." APPEAL TO BOTH SIDES NON-INTERVENTION COMMITTEE HUMANITARIAN PRINCIPLES (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, June 18. At to-day's meeting of the Nonintervention Committee" the British Government was asked to address to both parties in Spain an appeal for the protection of non-com-batants, whether men, women, or children, from danger* to which they are subject, and for the ending nf summary or mass executions of individuals for political reasons. The appeal urges that hostages and prisoners of war held by either party should be treated in accordance with humanitarian principles, and that in future the system of hostages should be abandoned and all non-Spanish nationals held as prisoners who have taken part in the present conflict should be released. These principles should also be applied to civilian adherents of opnosite sides. The committee also urges that both sides should abstain from destruction of all open towns, villages and other objective? of nonmilitary character: The appeal concludes. " The International Committee earnestly hopes that the present appeal, which it believes corresponds with the ideals and honourable traditions which have ever animatec the Spanish people, will evoke a response from the two parties and will help to lessen the cruel suffering inflicted upon the civil population during the present conflict" MEETING !N LONDON REPRESENTATIVES Of POWERS LONDON. June 19. (Received June 20. at 6.30 p.m.) In response to Germany's request, representatives of the Powers whose vessels are patrolling Spanish waters will meet in London.