A SOVIET BOMBSHELL

Wairarapa Daily Times, 8 September 1937, Page 5

A SOVIET BOMBSHELL

FORMAL PROTEST TO ROME SINKING OF MERCHANTMEN. Press Association Electric Telecnnh—Copyright LONDON, Monday. Just as the Powers Avere making headway toward a conference on Mediterranean piracy, the Soviet dropped a bombshell by presenting a formal protest to Rome, alleging that units of the Italian Navy Avere responsible for the sinking of the Russian ships Timiryazev and Blagov.

The Note, Avhich Avas presented to the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, demands immediate compensation foxlives lost and property damaged, and also the punishment of the officers alleged to be responsible. The text of the Note is published in Moscow. It states that “the Soviet lias indubitable proof of aggression by Italian Avarships against Soviet merchantmen in contradiction of humanitarian principles and the most elementary international Riav. ”

An official Italian statement indicates that the Government “promptly and decidedly x-ejected all responsibility for the sinking of the Russian ships, and Italy therefore rejects the demands for reparation and punishment.”

ITALIAN PRESS INDIGNANT. “AN IMPUDENT NOTE.” ROME, Tuesday. The neAVspapers angrily denounce Russia’s “impudent” Note. Political circles, hoAvev.er, do not anticipate the breaking off of diplomatic relations, but stress that Italy will not consent to attend the Mediterranean Conference in the role of accused. EXPECTED IN PRANCE. NOTE DEPLORED. PARIS, Tuesday. The Soviet Note to Italy, though deplored, was more or less expected. NOTE LIQUIDATED. BY ITALY’S REJECTION. (Received Wednesday, 9.40 a.m.) ROME, Tuesday. It is stated by the Foreign Office that the Russian Note is liquidated by Italy’s categorical rejection. It is believed that Italy Avill not refuse to attend the Mediterranean Conference.

Officials expect a further SoAuet Note, Avhich Avill necessitate British mediation, before the Conference.