SPANISH GUN-RUNNING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19946, 2 November 1934, Page 16

SPANISH GUN-RUNNING

FINANCIER ARRESTED The arrest of Don Horacio Echevarrieta, a Bilbao financier and shipowner, whose name is known practically throughout Spain, in connection with the recent gun-running disclosures, has been announced by the Premier. He stated that when all the circumstances leading to the arrest became known, there would be widespread surprise, says the “Daily Telegraph.” After his arrest Senor Echevareta was lodged in the model prison in Madrid.

Under instructions given to the Judge of the Supreme Court, Don Salvador Aicarcon. who has been appointed to investigate the question of gun-running on the Asturias coast, orders were issued to all naval and Consular authorities to place an embargo on the steamer Turquesa, from which the guns, explosives, and other contraband material were landed. Some 14 tons of cargo, believed to have been put ashore, still remains to be traced. General Fanjul has been instructed to conduct an inquiry into the alleged illicit dealing in war materials by the Consortium of Military Industries, a semi-official concern established on the initiative of Senor Azana when Premier.

It was suggested in the Madrid Press that facilities were given by the Azana Government to certain Portuguese for gun-running purposes, but the affair is still shrouded in mystery. After a statement as to the gravity of recent discoveries of arms and possible far-reaching consequences, the Premier said the whole matter would have to be thrashed out in Parliament. Following on the sensational discoveries of arms, bombs, and chemicals in the Madrid trades union headquarters—which is supported by the most powerful organisation in Spain—recent developments are giving rise to a state of anxiety in official and other circles such as has not been known in Spain for many years.