BRITISH WATCH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19885, 11 March 1939, Page 7

BRITISH WATCH

BLOCKADE BY . FRANCO

WARNING BY HALIFAX

PROTECTION TO SHIPPING

RIGHTS ON HIGH SEAS

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.)

(Rccd. March 10, 3.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 9

Although it is most unlikely that Britain will recognise General Franco's blockade of the coast of Republican Spain as legal, it is understood that the Government at present has no intention of protesting .and is content to await developments. Meanwhile British shipping will be discouraged in attempting to run the blockade, though outwardly they will be assured of full protection on the high seas as heretofore. Alluding in the course of a debate in the House of Lords to General Franco's blockade order, the Foreign Secretary, Viscount 'Halifax, said: "I wish to make it plain that if action outside territorial waters is taken Britain should be obliged to resist such action in the same manner as Britain has done in the past." Referring to assurances regarding the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain, Lord Halifax said he believed that these would be honoured. "I say quite clearly that if the contrary is the case, a very serious situation would arise," he added. Despite warning from a British warship the l'ood'ship Stangate ran the blockade and reached Valencia from which her captain notified the Spanish relief headquarters.