NEUTRAL IN WAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 17

NEUTRAL IN WAR

ALLEGED ATTITUDE OF SOUTH AFRICA Sequel to October Crisis Enemy Ships May Use Ports Independent Cable Service (Received November 4, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. “The Daly Mail” states on a high authority that South Africa informed Great Britain during the crisis of her intention to remain neutral as long as possible, in the event of a European war. The decision was conveyed to Mr Malcolm Macdonald (Secretary for Dominion Affairs), by Mr Te Water (High Commissioner for South Africa in London), on September 27. Mr Te Water declared, in view of South Africa’s neutrality, asylum would be given to the ships of all Powers, even if they were the enemies of Britain, at all South African ports except Simonstown, which is a British naval base. DEFENCE MINISTER IN LONDON DISCUSSION ON UNION’S PLAN United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 4, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. The Secretary of State for the Dominions (Mr Malcolm Macdonald), stated in the House of Commons that the object of the visit of the Hon. O. Plrow (Scuth African Minister of Defence) was to discuss certain techincal asp l cts of the defence programme of the Union of South Africa. SOUTH AFRICA MUST PREPARE WARNED BY HAPPENINGS IN EUROPE United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 5, 12.10 a.m.) BLOEMFONTEIN. November 4. The spirit of lawlessness perineats the world to-day, and what recently happened in Europe was a warning to South Africa to put her house in order, declared General Smuts speaking at the United Party Congress. General Smuts added: “Even if it costs millions, South Africa must look after herself. We must hold what we have, and we are not going through weakness or unpreparedness to allow any enemy to pluck South Africa as ripe fruit. It is not only a question of defence, but the maintaining of freedom and independence.” General Smuts admitted that his remarks were directed at South-West Africa. RECOGNITION OF ABYSSINIA SOUTH AFRICA’S DECISION United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright CAPETOWN, November 4. The South African Government has decided to recognise the Italian conquest of Abyssinia. WAR IN SPAIN AIR ATTACKS ON MADRID United 7-ess Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 4, 6.30 p.m.) MADRID, November 4. On the eve of the anniversary of the beginning of the two years’ siege the city was severely shelled. Fifteen persons were killed and 42 wounded. STRUGGLE ON EBRO FRONT LOYALISTS GIVING GROUND United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyrlgh t (Received November 4 6.30 p.m.) LONDON November 3. The Hendaye correspondent of “The Tunes” states that the Loyalists, though gallantly resisting, are gradually retreating on the Ebro front. BRITISH STEAMERS BOMBED AIR ATTACK ON VALENCIA Dulled Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 4, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 3. A Valencia* message reports that the British teamcr Stanburn was hit during an air raid and is leaking. There were no casualties.