OUTBREAK ON WARSHIPS

Southland Times, Issue 22993, 12 September 1936, Page 7

OUTBREAK ON WARSHIPS

PORTUGUESE CLAIM TROUBLE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Lisbon, September 10. It is officially claimed that the Government could have prevented the outbreak on the warships Dao and Alfonso de Albuquerque, but there were advantages from an internal and international viewpoint in forcibly quelling the mutiny as a demonstration. Portugal has repeatedly told Europe that the Spanish civil war is an international struggle on a national battlefield. In view of the territorial importance of Portugal, those desiring anarchy to reign had naturally redoubled their efforts to aid the Spanish Reds. Portugal had been attacked and insulted by the foreign Press, notably the French and the British. The Government, therefore, was obliged to intensify its offensive against Communism. A decree to-night orders an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of 1933 to' be sworn by the holders of State posts and the professors of State colleges. An oath to the flag must be sworn by the armed forces. A message from London states that it is reported from Gibraltar that further naval mutinies occurred in the Tagus River to-day, officers being killed on board a warship, after which Lisbon was bombarded. Revolts in the army are also reported, several garrison officers being either killed or taken prisoners.

It was announced in London at 10.30 p.m. that telephonic communication with Lisbon was not obtainable.