PLOTTING SOVIETS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 180, 31 July 1936, Page 7

PLOTTING SOVIETS

USE OF SPAIN’S UNREST SEEKING A REPUBLIC REPORTS OF CONFISCATION OF BRITISH FACTORIES [By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright] Received July 30, 8.40 p.m. LONDON, July 29. The Daily Mail says that Moscow is plotting to use the civil war in Spain to bring about the creation oi a Spanish Soviet Republic. The Mail adds that this was revealed when an announcer, in a Spanish broadcast from Moscow, said: "Victory must not be frittered away by fraternising vyith the bourgeoise. Now is the right time to proclaim ‘all power to Soviets. Existing Soviets in factories, mines, workshops and railways must be increased by militia, air force and navy. Soviets’ delegates should be elected to hold the first congress to proclaim a Soviet Republic. The British Foreign Office and the United States’ State Department are inquiring into reports that British and American property has been confiscated by Communists controlling Barcelona, says the Telegraph. It is understood that the rord and General Motors’ factories have been taken over by workers and Sox iets. An unconfirmed report says that British-owned banks have also been confiscated. ALL EUROPE TENSE FEAR OF COMPLICATIONS • REBELS A DANGER TO FRANCE another armed frontier? Received July 30, 11.47 p.m. LONDON, July 30. All Europe is watcning tne Spanish conflict, fearing compiications. The Manchester Guardian s Paris correspondent says the attitude of the Press and the public is, in many ways, reminiscent of the attitude towards the war between Italy and Abyssinia. Opinion is divided between those favourable and hostile to Fascism, but even the Rightists remember that French Hags are flown in Madrid and that victory for the rebels would turn Spain into a Power hostile to France, and even into a political ally of Germany. As a French observer remarked; “It would really be the last straw if we had to keep an army along the Pyrenees next.” The Government again denies helping Spain, yet there is a growing conviction in France that other Powers are supporting the rebels, which would be regarded as an unfriendly act, justifying France supporting the Spanish Government. M. Blum received Wing supporters, several of whom urged active support of Spain, but it is understood that he is most reserved. NATIONALS REMOVED BRITISH NAVY’S GOOD WORK [British Official Wireless) • RUGBY, July 29. Many appreciative references are paid in the Press to the work on which units of the British Fleet are engaged in Spanish ports. Nationals of 18 other countries besides British residents and visitors have been evacuated expeditiously and safely. In view of the nature of the fighting, the casualties among foreigners have been few. British war craft and those of other nations engaged in similar work are almost continuously on the move. The Admiralty denies emphatically a news agency report that the RearAdmiral commanding the First Cruiser Squadron restrained the Italian commander at Barcelona from opening fire. The rumour was probably due to arrangements with the Italian Admiral that no salute should be fired owing to the disturbed state of the city. As the senior admiral, the British commander was entitled to a salute of 17 guns when entering the port. The Governor of Gibraltar (Lord Harington), who had shortened his leave, returned there yesterday and resumed command of the city and the fortress. ’PLANE AND SUBMARINE FIGHT NEAR GIBRALTAR SHIP BELIEVED TO BE SUNK LONDON. July 29. People at Gibraltar witnessed a thrilling episode when a rebel 'plane bombed a Spanish Government submarine patrolling the Strait and is believed to have sunk it. The Government claims to have brought down seven rebel planes. THREE "PLANES DOWNED BOMBERS OF A HOSPITAL Received July 30, 8.40 p.m. LISBON, July 30. During a fierce aerial fight over Granada, rebel ’planes sent down in flames three Government bombers which previously bombed the St. John’s Hospital.