BRITAIN’S WARNING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21089, 15 July 1938, Page 9

BRITAIN’S WARNING

REPLY TO REBEL LEADER Reaction to Bombing of Steamers Rejection of “ Free Port” Offer Discussion in Parliament British Official Wireiow (Received July 14. 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, July 13. An Important statement was made In the House of Commons by the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) on the communications with Burgos on the bombing of British ships.

Mr Chamberlain recalled that Britain had found it necessary to ask Burgos to explain the exact meaning attached to its disclaimer of any Intention to make deliberate attacks on British shipping. The reply, which had now been received, stated that attacks

on British ships in Spanish ports w r not deliberate.

In support of this statement, Burgos claimed that the bombing of these ports was designed to prevent traffic in arms, munitions, explosives, and war material of all kinds at the quayside, without discrimination as to the respective national flags of the ships, which it was impossible for aircraft to distinguish. “The reply goes on to say that ships not engaged in the contraband trade which enter such dangerous zones voluntarily expose themselves to the consequences of their own temerity, and it adds that the attacks in which they are involved are not directed against them, but against objectives in the enemy ports in which they lie,’’ aaid Mr Chamberlain. "This count.y passed legislation prohibiting British ships carrying arms to any port in Spain, and the Government has made It plain that it cannot accept as legitimate the bombing and sinking by aircraft of merchant shipping. At the same time ships trading to the war zone must accept the risks which are the Inevitable result of a state of war.

Effective protection cannot be guaranteed them unless this country is prepared to take an active part In the hostilities. ' The Government, in its view, would not be justified In recommending such a course, which might result in the spread of the conflict far beyond its present limits. While any military action in such a situation is precluded, the Government is not prepare, to acquiesce in a repetition of attacks of a certain character. We have hitherto always made protests to Burgos where a vessel lying by itself has been subject to a deliberate attack by low-flying aircraft. An attack on an isolated vessel must, of its very nature, be deliberate, particularly in those circumstances where the vessel has been reconnoitred previously to the bombing and been machine-gunned afterwards. The Government is still in

communication with Burgos on this and other matters arising out of it. It prefers to await the result of these communications before making -ny further statement. Almeria Not Suitable “With regard to the safe port of Ahneira, while appreciating that the suggestion was put forward with a view to finding some solution of the present situation, the Government has found that the difficulties and disadvantages of the proposal are very great, and it has ascertained that the Spanish Government regards the proposal as unacceptable. It is doubtful, therefore, whether it can be proceeded with. I may add that the British agent in Burgos (Sir Robert Hodgson) is remaining in London for the time being.”

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) asked whether the Government was going to make it plain to Burgos that it could not accept the explanation, which seemed to be in the nature of a contradiction of the facts of the bombings that Mr Chamberlain had given to the House. Mr Chamberlain replied: “We have said that it is not possible to reconcile the disclaimer of deliberate intention with the facts as known to us in certain particular cases. I would rather not make apy further statement until the communications have proceeded a little further than they have now.” WILLING TO CO-OPERATE SPANISH LOYALISTS REPLY TO BRITAIN United press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received July 14, 8.55 p.m.) BARCELONA, July 14. Senor Del Vayo acknowledged receipt of the British Non-intervention Note, and reiterated his willingness to co-operate. He promised a prompt answer.