Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 1937. GERMANY WITHDRAWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 176, 26 June 1937, Page 8

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 1937. GERMANY WITHDRAWS.

For the second time in three weeks Germany and Italy have withdrawn from the naval patrol scheme instituted under the agreement for non-intervention in the Spanish civil war, and another European crisis is seriously disturbing both Britain and France. On the previous occasion the bombing of the German warship Deutschland, while at anchor in Ibiza Harbour, in the Balearic Islands, was the cause of Germany’s immediate withdrawal from the patrol of Spanish waters, and then the ghastly bombardment of Almeria as a reprisal. Italy as is her custom in these matters joined forces with Germany, but Herr Hitler, regarding the incident closed with the atrocity his own warships had committed in return for what the Spanish Government aeroplanes had done, resumed active participation in the control scheme. Italy did likewise, but now another incident, about 'which there is yet some doubt, has happened in which, it is alleged, a Spanish Government submarine fired a torpedo at the German cruiser Leipzig, fortunately without material harm. Germany’s reaction has been instantaneous. That Herr Hitler and his military and naval advisers should immediately resent the attack, if it actually were made, is but natural, and it would be in that case one which could not be lightly treated; but there appears to have been an unwarranted haste in Germany in accepting the statement of the cruiser’s commander without a reasonable inquiry. No Power patrolling the coast can be expected to willingly suffer attacks on its fleet by either belligerent without a strong protest, and in the event of their continuance not, to take suitable action; but Germany has thought fit to again take measures in hasty manner. The attack on Almeria, had Spain been a reasonably strong Power, would most likely have precipitated war, the consequences of which would have been far-reaching. Fortunately, on this occasion Germany has limited her action to withdrawal from the naval patrol, refusing to any longer expose her ships lo “further target practice by lied Spain.” .She has also disclaimed any territorial .ambitions towards Spain or the Spanish colonies, “desiring only Spanish independence.” • This is really a shrewd appeal for support against llnssia, which will fall on barren soil, and the German Press, no doubt realising this, is employing harsh language against

Britain. It is an unfortunate fact that non-iutervention in the Spanish trouble has been wholly hampered by the interests of the Powers other than Britain. Germany and Italy have openly supported General Franco, and for a while at least French opinion was on the Government side. Britain has been the only real neutral. Hence there has been an absence of frank co-operation between the Powers. Moreover, there is very grave (Joubt about Germany’s intentions in the Spanish war, there being a real fear whether she will not seize some precise moment with Italy to intervene on behalf of General Franco, and so force an insurgent victory. This would precipitate a conflict which Britain of all nations has earnestly sought to prevent. It is this possibility that has so seriously disturbed public opinion in Europe during the past week. The only bright feature is that both Italy and Germany intend to still continue with the Committee, whose work, imperfect though it is, must not be allowed to lapse, as it is better than nothing. In the meantime, in spite of rather alarming, messages regardingtlie movements of German warships, there is nothing to suggest that the situation is likely to deteriorate beyond leaving part of the Spanish coast not officially patrolled to prevent supplies of munitions reaching Spain.