GIBRALTAR CALM

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 5

GIBRALTAR CALM

PREPARED FOR ATTACK SUBTERRANEAN TOWN CONSTRUCTED (Rec.J 9 p.m.) LONDON, April 26. The Gibraltar correspondent of the British United Press states that any attempt to take Gibraltar will cost the lives of at least 150,000 men and the result would

still be doubtful for the attacker. This is the view of a

senior Spanish officer who has

just visited the rock. His opinion is shared by high Spanish Army officials. Gibraltar is now going through a stage of complete preparedness for an emergency. Thousands of the inhabitants are being evacuated, many going to London. Canadian hard-rock miners a week ago completed the construction of a subterranean town inside the rock, with underground roads, passages, hospitals, canteens, stores, magazines, shelters, offices and even rest centres. The reservoirs hold millions of gallons of water. Gibraltar itself is calm and cheerful. The troops relax in cafes, cinemas and theatres after their jobs are done.

It is announced in London that Lord Gort, V.C., has been appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief in Gibraltar.

The Daily Express says that Lord Gort’s appointment to Gibraltar shows clearly that the British Government is well aware of the danger that the hour of attack against the rock may be very near. Lord Gort is the ideal man to defend Gibraltar. His record proves that he is an astute soldier with matchless courage and tenacity. NEUTRALITY THREATENED The neutrality of Spain is gravely threatened, says the diplomatic correspondent of The Daily Telegraph quoting a very authoritative quarter. The Germans have made detailed plans for an attempt to close the Straits of Gibraltar, he writes. They are already constructing airfields in the south of Spain, notably at Cadiz, Huelva and at other points nearer Gibraltar where numbers of German planes are stored. Anti-aircraft guns have been mounted and gun crews and ground staffs have arrived. After the German advance into Libya additional technicians arrived and the work is being pushed on at a feverish speed. The Germans are scarcely attempting to conceal their preparations. German planes have actually flown over Madrid. The French-Spanish frontier has been closed since April 17. SPANISH CABINET MEETING Senor Ramon Suner, the Spanish Foreign Minister, last week told a Cabinet meeting that he considered that his chief mission was to prepare Spanish public opinion for the passage of German forces across Spain. The Minister of War, General Varela, and the Minister of Air, General Vigon, share Senor Suner’s conviction of a German victory. The Minister of the Interim' is practically a branch of the Gestapo. The Germans are expected soon to transfer their African headquarters to Tangier' because of its advantages as a control post opposite Gibraltar and its domination of French Morocco. The appointment is expected of a German Minister to Tangier. _ With a largely-increased staff to dominate the town Press censorship established a few days ago, the Germans are pressing for the control of the cables and wireless.