"IN GERMAN HANDS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 8

"IN GERMAN HANDS”

OMINOUS WORKS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY. "Euzkadi, ancient friend and ally of Great Britain and of France, is now in German hands." This is the conclusion of an analysis of the situation in the Basque country following its capture by General Franco, published in London by the Autonomous Government of Euzkadi, says the Manchester Guardian. The report states that Germany dominates the political, economic and military life of Euzkadi. Tremendous pressure has been directed towards the diversion of one of the richest iron-producing countries into one of lhe most completely militarised. Totalitarian methods have been introduced to bully a peaceful and industrial people into subjugation, however unwilling, to the German Reich. German technicians are said to he fortifying the coastline overlooking the most important sea routes of the British Empire and of France. Mercantile and fishing ports are being converted into German naval bases which are within easy striking distance of the British a.nd French naval bases of Portsmouth and Brest. Heavy gun emplacements have been established along t'ne Pyrenean border of the Basque country. Between San Sebastian and the French border there are already seven of them within the space of 10 miies. Aerodromes lacking any peace-time justification, have been estalibjhed throughout Euzkadi at the very southern gates of France—within easy striking distance of her great munition factories. Can Britain and France, it is asked, ignore this plan so carefully laid to undermine their security? Only one sure way to safety lies before Great Britain and France to make certain that these implied threats can never be translated into actuality. The remedy lies in their own hands.