JOINT NOTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 28 December 1936, Page 7

JOINT NOTE

Britain and France WARNING TO POWERS EXTENSION OF SPANISH , WAR GERMAN ECONOMIC NEEDS AID MAY BE OFFERED < s Received Dec. 27, 6.10 p.m. t NEW YORK, Dec. 26. c The New York Times' London correspondent states that the / British and French Governments t instructed their ambassadors at s Berlin, Rome, Moscow and Lisbon to present a joint Anglo- ( French Note informing the ( Powers that the Anglo-French < entente views with anxiety the c gradual transformation of the Spuanish civil war into an in- t ternational conflict for the advancement of opposing political principles. It adds: “The British and French soon are likely to request Herr Hitler to state his country’s economic needs in order to avert a suicidal plunge, and conditionally offer aid.” ANOTHER INCIDENT GERMAN SHIP CAPTURED TAKEN BY LOYALISTS TO BILBAO Received Dec. 27, 7.30 p.m. BERLIN, Dec. 27. An official announcement says that Spanish Government warships confiscated the German steamer Palos, belonging to an Oldenburg-Portu-guese company, outside Spanish territorial waters in the neighbourhood of Bilbao. The Palos, which was en route from Hamburg to Spanish harbours, has been taken to Bilbao. The cargo, according to reliable evidence, consisted neither of direct nor indirect war material. The necessary measures for the release of the steamer have been begun and it is expected that before these are enforced the Reds will release the steamer with the cargo intact and the three passengers. It is believed that German warshins are proceeding at full speed to Bilbao and Nazi spokesmen agree that the dispatch of warships makes a demonstration the most likely step. If the Palos is surrendered intact, the affair may pass off without incident, but if the Reds Warm the vessel or the people aboard the situation may be very grave. The Palos is a vessel of 977 tons. According to the Spanish report, the cargo was contraband for the insurgents and is now being unloaded at i Bilbao. WARNING SHOTS FRENCH BOATS REPORT Received Dec. 27, 9.35 p.m. CASABLANCA, Dec. 27. A French banana boat going to Dakar reports a Spanish patrol boat fire warning shots and ordered her ,o stop in the neighbourhood of Point Sarnero. “We signalled our name, lit up our flag, refused to stop and continued the voyage,” adds the report. GERMANY AND ITALY EFFECT OF THE APPEAL POSSIBILITY OF WITHDRAWAL Received Dec. 27, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 27. No indication has yet reached London regarding the attitude of the Powers to the Franco-British appeal to cease the flow of volunteers to Spain, but the Sunday Times’ diplomatic correspondent says it is felt that Germany maj- take the opportunity of extricating herself from an increasingly difficult situation. The financial cost is important in view of Germany's economic position. British observers doubt whether the Spanish manganese ore and other commodities recompense Germany for the transport of 15,000 men to Spain. Another aspect is how long General Franco will require the foreign mercenaries, as it is doubtful if Germany contemplates an indeterminate “occupation.” Moreover, the wounded are bringing unsatisfactory reports of General Franco's position. It is hoped that Italy will exert a moderating influence, regarding which it is mentioned that the Italian •olunteers apparently are in an inerior position to the Germans ana taly dislikes playing second fiddle. The Observer’s Paris correspondent says it is reported that a plan has been evolved in London and Paris to assist Germany economically if Herr Hitler reverses his present policy. Meanwhile, it is believed that Italy is considering withdrawing from the hornets’ nest and also seeking an Italo-French reconciliation owing to the strength and closeness of the Franco-British co-operation. PLANT WRECKED

PRO-GOVERNMENT PAPER ACTION BY ITALIANS AT TANGIER Received Dec. 27, 9.10 p.m. TANGIER, Dec. 27. One hundred and fifty Italian bluejackets, headed by an officer, marched to the offices of the Spanish pro-Gov-ernment paper Democracias, threw documents into the street and wrecked the plant because they resented articles allegedly insulting Italy.