ITALY’S POSITION IN DOUBT

Southland Times, Issue 23308, 18 September 1937, Page 7

ITALY’S POSITION IN DOUBT

Reply Gives No Assurance

PATROL PLAN TO PROCEED

SPANISH ACCUSATION OF MUSSOLINI

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received September 17, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 17.

The Times says the Italian reply to the Powers’ proposals for patrol to overcome piracy in the Mediterranean does not state whether even if the Italian wishes were met the Fascist Government would consent to adhere to the Nyon plan. Until this doubt is cleared away the British and French Governments might only be offering to stultify a policy which an imperative emergency has required, and which a number of Powers have accordingly agreed to enact if they suspended execution of their Pact.

At the meeting of the League of Nations, the Spanish Prime Minister (Dr Julien Negrin), said there were numerous proofs of Mediterranean sinkings by deliberate action under direct orders from the head of the Italian State, who publicly boasted of the support given in the military rebellion. He begged the League to have courage and face the facts. By the exclusion of Spanish shipping from the Nyon Agreement international law had been profoundly shaken, and he demanded inclusion. The destroyers Boreas and Boadicea left Portsmouth to join the fourth flotilla of the Home Fleet- which is augmenting the British naval forces carrying out anti-piracy patrol in the Mediterranean. The Nyon Conference is meeting at Geneva on September 17 to consider the question of co-operation of aircraft in the patrol scheme. NO SALE MADE OF SUBMARINES DENIAL OF ALLEGATIONS (Received September 18, 12.30 a.m.) ROME, September 17. Official circles categorically deny the report published in Paris socialist newspapers that Italy sold to General Franco 12 submarines which have been manned by 12 Italian volunteers and also that Signor Mussolini sent 12 submarines to the Dardanelles with instructions to commit acts of piracy. RELIC OF WORLD WAR MARSEILLES, September 16. The authorities at Toulon Arsenal declare that the live torpedo picked up by a trawler was of Italian manufacture, but was a relic of the world war.