THE CHINA. MAIL, APRIL 29, 1937..
PLAN TO SAVE CIVILIANS
BILBAO RESCUE
SHIPS TO BE ORGANISED
LONDON, TO-DAY. PROVAL, WAS MADE BY MR. A STATEMENT THAT THE WILFRED H. W. ROBERTS, FOREIGN OFFICE AUTHORIS- LABOUR MEMBER FOR ED HIM TO SAY THAT EVA- NORTH CUMBERLAND, FOL- CUATION OF THE CIVIL PO- LOWING A MEETING AT THE PULATION FROM BILBAO HOUSE OF COMMONS YES- HAD THEIR WARMEST AP- TERDAY.
The meeting was attended by the Duchess of Atholl, Mr. Arthur Slater, Miss Eleanor Rathbone (Independent member for the Combined Universities) and other members of the House who are organising a plan to evacuate children from Bilbao.
The original intention was to use the steamer Backworth, but it was found the problem could not be met by a single ship.
They therefore consulted the Basque Government, which was prepared to charter any ships in St. Jean de Luz and cuate the children.
FRENCH AID
eva-
It is understood the French Gov- ernment is prepared to offer free
transport of the refugees to France, and the M.P.'s are appealing for funds in order to lodge the children both in Britain and France.
It is understood the Foreign Office approve in principle of the evacua- tion but there is no indication that British naval forces will participate in the process. Reuter.
FOODSHIP FROM SWEDEN
Stockholm, To-day. Following the example of British relief organisations, Sweden is also preparing to send a foodship to Bilbao for the relief of the almost starving inhabitants.
A committee formed for the pur- pose has chartered a vessel which they intend loading with 1,100 tons of foodstuffs, and an appeal has been issued for funds-Trans- Ocean.
Backworth Runs Blockade
Bilbao, To-day.
The British steamer Backworth,
"Anson," "Jellicoe” And "Beatty"
London, To-day.
The three new British battle- ships provided under the 1937 naval building programme will be named Anson, Jellicoe and Beatty.
This was announced by the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Samuel Hoare, in the House of Commons yesterday. Trans-Ocean.
BLOCKADE RUNNERS
UNENTHUSIASTIC
OFFICER'S STORY OF TOO MANY
THRILLS
(SPECIAL TO “CHINA MAIL”)
London, To-day.
A thrilling story of their adventures in run- ning the insurgent blockade of Bilbao has been told by officers of a British freighter to the St. Jean de Luz correspondent of the "Daily Express."
THE FREIGHTER IS NOW IN THE FRENCH PORT, AND THE OFFICERS SAY THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF AGAIN “RISKING THEIR NECKS” IN CARRYING SUPPLIES TO THE BASQUE PROVINCE.
"It seems a miracle to us now,” said one of the officers, "how an incident was averted:"
"On our voyages into Bilbao.we were practically surrounded by warships, mostly destroyers.
"The destroyers always had their decks cleared for action, and on se- veral occasions it looked as if they would come to an open clash with rebel warships which tried to stop
us.
SAFER ON SHORE
The officers stated that the ship is under charter to the Basque Gov- ernment, which intends to run her through the blockade again.
of-
"We ourselves,” said an ficer, "think it a spot safer to re- main on shore this time, and we are staying in St. Jean de Luz for the time being.
"The ship will make her next carrying a cargo of coal and wood, trip without us and in charge of a in addition of foodstuffs, arrived in Spanish crew," he concluded. Bilbao yesterday.
The freighter, the purchase, of which had been possible through
large subscriptions from Mr. Lloyd| George and other British politicians, was escorted as far as the three- mile limit by a British destroyer.
Four further freighters left St. Jean de Luz last night in driving rain for Bilbao.-Reuter.
FIRESTONE ENDS STRIKE
Agreement Reached
After 8 Weeks
Akron (Ohio), To-day.
ROYAL OAK SAILS
FOR BASQUE COAST
Paris, To-day..
The British battleship, H. M. S. Royal Oak, which has been lying in the harbour of St. Jean de Luz, left in the direction of Bilbao yes- terday morning.
1
is
It is believed the battleship bound for the waters off Bilbao to protect British freighters outside the three-mile limit-Trans-Ocean.
London, To-day.
The Firestone Tyre and Rubber
The Crown Prince of Saudi Ara- Company announces that it has bia, who will represent his country reached an agreement with the re-at the Coronation, left Alexandria presentatives of the United Rubber yesterday en route to London. Workers Union.
· The Emir. Abdullah of Trans- The agreement ends an eight- Jordon is also leaving Alexandria week strike “involving 10,000 em- for London on Friday. ployees. Reuter.
Ocean.
Trans-
DUKE IN EDINBURGH
"CAT" BURGLARS CAUGHT
Long Operations In Wanchai
FOURTEEN CASES
Patient enquiries by the Wanchai Police into the numerous burglaries that have occurred in the district recently were rewarded yesterday by the apprehension of Chan Hung and To Wai, both unemployed, who are believed to have been respon- sible for the majority of the offences.
Both were charged before Mr. W. Schofield at the Central Magistracy this morning. The first defendant who had eight charges against him for burglaries between November and March 24, involving money, jewellery and clothing to the exTM |tent of $880, was sentenced one
year's imprisonment.
Second defendant was sentenced to six months' hard labour when he pleaded guilty to six charges. The property stolen totalled $500.
Detective-Sergeant Darkin said
that defendants were arrested in dant was a "cat" burglar, obtain- ing
Reclamation Street. First defen-
entrance to a flat either by climbing up a drain pipe or lower- ing himself from the roof. Some of the property had been recovered but most of it had been taken to Macao and there disposed of.
1
He was also charged with breach of the Deportation Ordinance but as this case was one for committal it was adjourned till Tuesday. Se- cond defendant was also a "cat" burglar.
London, To-day, The Duke of Gloucester, who was accompanied by the Duchess, laid the foundation stone of the new The Sultan of Johore arrived by Government buildings at Edin-air in London last evening to at- burgh yesterday. British Wireless. tend the Coronation.
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