THE SPANISH NAVY.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18653, 3 June 1932, Page 2

THE SPANISH NAVY.

DISCIPLINED BY-PRESIDENT MONARCHISTS DISMISSED. MADRID, April 22. A couple of centuries ago the English helped Spain to find out that the “ Invincible Armada” was just a theory. This ■ week the Armada — which, by the way, is just a Spanish name for navy—found out again what the country had learned long ago. that It was not invincible. ■ Not unlike the officers of other navies, Spain’s naval officers are haughty. They have a purblind contempt for landsmen’s opinions and they have considerable esprit de corps. They also -are the only organism in Spain still having any kind of monarchical inclinations. Alfonso could be shot like a jack rabbit by any one and -probably would be if he entered Spain,- but 'there have been several warships until now on which one probably could have raised the Bourbon Hag of revolt. There were whispers of this before President Niceto Alcala Zamora went voyaging to the Balearic Islands, but they are no rumours now, for (lie Government has spanked the naughty navy. A Miracle of Bad Seamanship. On the President’s trip he found that monarchical emblems still graced the ships and a polite request did not cause their removal. Then, at the Island of Ibitha, the destroyer which had been anchored 100 metres out from shore went on the rocks. Queer things have happened in all navies. More ships have gone ashore during manoeuvres than braided Admirals would like to admit, but this was positively a miracle of had seamanship. It is to be doubted if any but an expert with his soul in it could have put that particular destroyer on -the rocks under those conditions. The expert was there, however, and the destroyer deadheaded into the shore line. ■ President Zamora had plenty of time to-ruminate about; It all on his way -to Valencia, ills life being actually endangered as the liny open boat which • lie was forced to take bucked the giant combers. 80, 100, did some exceedingly frightened and, it is said, otherwise uncomfortable Ministers, including the Minister of the Navy, who ■ accompanied the President on what : might be called walking home from a boat- ride. ' This is why Spain to-day has a new Admiral for tier fleet and what is politely termed naval re-organisa-tion is ripping the monarchical planks out of the “vincible armada.” “ Red” Outbreaks Occur. Also it is reported on pretty sound authority that red outbreaks occurred aboard the cruiser Republic off Mclilla and at the naval arsenals at Cartaflena and Ferrol. Communist cells also are said to have been discovered- aboard the cruisers Menf, dez, Nunez, Libertad, Admiral Cervera and Cervantes. After -dismissing the chief naval __ monarchists Minister of the Navy Giral made what was interpreted by certain frightened naval officers as a cynical speech. He termed the navy ‘■'k: essentially Republican,” which he has done his best to make it, the officers threw a scare into malbehavers by adding: “ I understand perfectly that men of Ideals find It . difficult to submit themselves to a regime which they disapprove of and some officers who And it difficult feel great enthusiasm for the constituted regime. 'We hope the devotion to duty these officers must show will be turned into enthusiasm for the republic.” Admiral Azarola, appointed subMinister of the Navy in the shake-up, added pointedly: “We will work with profound enthusiasm for the Republican' navy.” He said his knowledge of the personnel of the fleet would be instrumental in making this statement an established fact.