CONTROL OF SHIPS FOR SPAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20674, 12 March 1937, Page 9

CONTROL OF SHIPS FOR SPAIN

BRITAIN’S FIRM ATTITUDE NEUTRALITY PUT INTO PRACTICE PROTEST AGAINST USE OF MINES British Official Wireless (Received March'll, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, March 10. Lord Plymouth was warmly cheered in the House of Lords on rising to move the second reading of the Bill imposing legal obligation on British shipping bound for Spanish ports. It was obvious, Lord Plymouth said, that any delay in bringing the system into force would be very dangerous, and some untoward incident might undo the work so painfully accomplished. He explained that if an international staff of observers witnessed any apparent infringement of the agreement by British ships they would inform the Board of Trade, which would consider what proceedings should be taken. The second reading was carried. BREACHES OF MARITIME LAWS BRITAIN’S STRONG PROTESTS British Official Wireless (Received March 11, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, March 10. In the House of Lords, Lord Plymouth, referring to the laying of mines off the Spanish coast, said the British Government's view was that such laying was not justified, except where proper and adequate notice had been given. Sir Henry Chilton had been instructed to protest to General Franco against the failure to notify the laying of mines at places remote from Spanish ports. The Foreign Minister (Mr R. A. Eden) subsequently stated that the British Ambassador at Hendaye had been Instructed to protest also to the insurgent authorities at Salamanca against interference with British property on the high seas. In the case of two Spanish vessels carrying Britishowned cargoes of iron ore which had been intercepted by insurgent warships, the Ambassador was to ask for the release of the cargoes and state that his Majesty’s Government reserved the right, if necessary, to claim damages. Britain’s Control Duties At question time in the House of Commons Mr Anthony Eden stated that British ships would be responsible for the supervision of the northern coast of Spain from the French frontier to Cape Busto, and for the southern coast from the Portuguese frontier to Cape de Gate, and the British naval authorities would take steps to keep in touch with his Majesty’s diplomatic and consular representatives at Valencia, Barcelona and Palma. DRASTIC MEASURES IMPOSED IN BRITAIN LEGISLATION BEFORE PARLIAMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 10. Tlie Government’s proposals for controlling shipping to Spain are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Spanish Frontiers Observation) Bill, the text of which was Issued to-day. Ships going to Spain must embark an observation officer at a prescribed place. The officer may require the production of documents relating to the cargo, or cause any package to be opened. He may require the production of any passenger’s passport, and be present at the unloading of goods or the disembarkation of persons at any port in Spanish territory, or adjacent waters. The master or any person aboard obstructing the officer or giving false information is liable to a fine not exceeding 100. The Board of Trade is empowered to exempt ships regularly engaged in Spanish trade from certain provisions, conditional that they carry an observing officer and pay the additional expenses incurred. The Bill confers powers on naval officers to stop and examine the papers of ships in Spanish territorial waters. Masters failing to comply are liable to a fine of £lOO. FATE OF BOMBED VESSEL MARCANTABRICO REPORTED STILL AFLOAT United Press Association—By Klaetrto Telegraph lonvrignt LONDON, March 10. According to wireless reports received the Marcantabrico, which was attacked by a rebel cruiser, with the fire still burning in No. 2 hold, is steaming slowly in the direction of Pasajas. French fishing boats picked up the bodies of two seamen from the Mar Cantabrico, both shot in the head. Pablo Juan 800, supplementing his earlier story, says that the crew deposed the captain, believing that he was in secret communication with the insurgents. The first officer was in control when the Canar'as stopped the ship. FRENCH STEAMER BOMBED. , ANOTHER SERIOUS BREACH United Prese Association—By Eleowie Telegraph Copyright PARIS, March 10. Aircraft bombed the French steamer Djebel Antar, off Minorca. A bomb fell on the deck, but failed to explode. There were no injuries. The Ministry of Marine, announcing the attack, states that a warship was sent out to convoy the steamer to Marseilles, where she is expected tonight.