NAZIS ANGRY OVER SPAIN

Southland Times, Issue 23741, 13 February 1939, Page 7

NAZIS ANGRY OVER SPAIN

FRANCO-BRITISH DIPLOMACY

“FRANCO DOES NOT REQUIRE ADVICE’’ MINORCAN TRUCE VIOLATED BY BOBBERS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received February 12, 11.10 pin.) LONDON, February 11. The German Press is still sore about. what it describes as Britain’s and France’s “sudden conversion” to the Spanish rebel cause. “The British Government may protest that its motives are humanitarian,” it is said, “but it is obviously hoping, for political advantages from its lastminute gestures to General Franco. If so, it will soon find that it is. harbouring illusions. “General Franco does not require British or French advice about either home or foreign policy, which will be adapted to Spam’s needs and her geographical situation.” According to refugees on H.M.S. Devonshire fighting broke out in Minorca while negotiations between the rebel and loyalist leaders were taking place on board the cruiser. Italian aeroplanes bombed the island, killing Several persons and wrecking 30 homes. The cruiser was struck by bomb splinters. “I telegraphed a protest to Burgos, but the bombing did not cease,” declared Captain Muirhead Gould, commander of the Devonshire. “I sent two telegrams of protest The first was not answered and the second message received the reply that the action was a mistake. My sole condition of helping to bring the parties together was on the understanding that there should be no bombing and no executions. The bombing started on Thursday, while the envoys were negotiating for the surrender of the town, whose population fled in panic. I then embarked the refugees and departed.” NO INTERVENTION A British Official Wireless message says that there was no British representative aboard the Devonshire' and the commander took no part in the negotiations. The cruiser went on the distinct understanding that there should be no attack on Minorca during its presence at Port Mahon. The violation of this undertaking has caused much surprise, it is believed, in Spanish rebel circles, where it is keenly regretted and both in Burgos and London there is mystification about, the identity of the aircraft concerned in this attack. The newspapers in London generally express satisfaction at yesterday’s developments at Minorca and with the British Government’s share in them. The Times : says: “The steady impartiality of British policy throughout the war has begun to bear fruit Both sides realize that Britain desires only a united settlement and a peaceful Spain. . The mission to Minorca has been completed in that region by diplomatic means—a process which could otherwise have been completed only by the extension of hostilities. It is a welcome achievement which need surely cause neither suspicion nor jealousy elsewhere—and there have been signs of both. The Daily Telegraph says: “Fortunately the signs and portents seem to point to the conclusion of a peace by agreement in Spain and the prelude to such conclusion is to be recognized in the undisputed transfer of Minorca from Republican to rebel occupation. If one of his Majesty’s ships is able to give disinterested service in the completion of that transfer it is a fact which should bring relief rather than excite suspicion, as it seems to have done in Berlin. It means that one more danger spot has been removed and the possibility of accommodation between two obdurate antagonists has been demonstrated.”