GERMAN WARSHIPS ON THE MOVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20763, 25 June 1937, Page 9

GERMAN WARSHIPS ON THE MOVE

OFF SPANISH COASTS ARE MEN AND GUNS BEING LANDED? MENACING SITUATION IN MEDITERRANEAN United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received June 24, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 24. A Spanish Press Agency message from Gibraltar states that fifteen German warships are concentrating near Gibraltar and Tangier. A German cruiser and three destroyers anchored off Algecrias last Tuesday. Boats were seen plying between the ships and a deserted beach. Rumours that men and material were being landed have not been confirmed. The German cruisers Koln, Deutschland, Luchs, Leopold and Tiger left Algeciras for an easterly direction. The whereabouts of the Leipzig not known. Reports from Portugal Lisbon reports that the German battleship Admiral Scheer and three destroyers were in Largos Bay, in south-west Portugal, refuelling from a German tanker yesterday. It is thought the vessels will leave for the Mediterranean. “The News Chronicle” states that the battleship Admiral Graf Spee has left Germany for Spanish waters. GERMAN PRESS OUTBURST BRITISH MINISTER ATTACKED United Press Association—By KJ»'tnc Telegraph —Convrteht BERLIN, June 24. The British Foreign Minister (Mr Anthony Eden 3 is being subjected to a concentrated press attack. Herr von Ribbentrop (German Ambassador in London) has arrived at Berlin from London. Leipzig Affair Closed. Baron von Neurath assured the British and French Ambassadors that Germany is not taking further action in connection with the Leipzig affair. Naval authorities report the discovery of two mines in a cave at Bajur, 70 miles north-east of Barcelona. ’They were taken ashore for examination. RECEIVED WITH MISGIVINGS GERMANY’S ASSURANCES TO POWERS CONFUSED WORLD SITUATION United Press Association —By EJ«ctrlc Telegraph —Copvrlebt (Received June 25, 12.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 24. Germany’s assurance that the Leipr’ ■ incident is closed is accepted with certain misgivings at Whitehall which is anxiously watchful. It is thought that Germany may possibly be persuaded to moderate her policy, but the presence of ships in the Mediterranean is dangerous, especially as withdrawal from the control scheme means that Italy and Germany have no longer a legal right to stop merchantmen. Concern for Rebel Campaign The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” declares that the Nazis do not conceal their fear that another winter campaign would be difficult for General Franco, but there have been signs that Her Hitler himself belives internal troubles in Russia favour a bold anti-Soviet offensive. The press is filled with bitter denunciations of “British shamelessness and hypocrisy.” French Readiness A Paris message states that France is prepared to replace the Italo-Ger-man naval control, if Britain will cooperate. The French fleet has been ordered to be constantly prepared. GERMANY’S ANSWER TO REPORTS NO CONCENTRATIION OF WARSHIPS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received June 25, 12.40 a.m.) BERLIN. June 24. According to the Naval Department there are only three cruisers the I'urnberg, the Karlsruhe and the Leipzig; three torpedo-boats, and four submarines in Spanish waters. The Admiral Scheer is replacing the Leipzig and the submarines are returning to Germany shortly. FEAR OF REPRISALS POPULACE OF VALENCIA TAKES REFUGE United Press Association—By Electric Telegr° n h VALENCIA, June 23. Thousands of citizens, apprehensive of a German bombardment, who sought refuge in cellars and bomb proof shelters last night, emerged this morning hardly able to believe their good fortune. Crowds of Refugees. The British cargo boat, Marion Moller, left St. Jean De Luz for La Rochelle, with 1700 refugees, whom the Bilbao authorities drove abroad like sheep. Many were without food during the long rough voyage.