The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-11-20

piracy? I think that this house must distinguish between the position oi British ships on the high seas and the position of such ships in for eign port which may be the scene of military operations" replied Eden deliberately. Would action by na- tionalist ships outside the three mile limit of territorial Spanish waters amount to piracy?' persisted Atlec Would 1t be resented by Great Bri- ttin2" "At present we have not ac- corded belligeren' rights to either side" responded Eden.
 Britain After Compromise
 Some read into Eden's statements a hint that Britain. realizing the gravity of the situation, would go the limit in seeking compromise with the nationalists that would avert danger of clash.
 Last night Ambassador Chiffon was instructed to seek "comprom- ise" under which there would be an agreement for a safety zone in the harbor at Barcelona. The national ists had agreed to such zones at Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante and Cartagena. But Barcelona. the great Catalonian port, heart of the fiercest left wing area in Spain, was omitted from the agreement.
 Hence the government first sought direct agreement. It has already told Franco and the Madrid govern ment alike, in similar situation in August that 1t would not tolerate iil- reference with British shipping out side the three mile zone. Until Eden made his statement today, reliable sources said that Britain would in- sist on its full rights.
 Four Danger Points
 Britons saw four distinct danger points:
 1. That the alignment of fascist against democratic nations would be drawn more distinctly.
 2. That Italy and Germany might accelerate delivery of war materials to the nationalists.
 3. That Italy and Germany might ! call the ships of the loyalist govern mcnt pirates, because they have recognized Franco, and seek to halt, even sink, ships flying the flag of the republica; or alternatively that they might "lend" warships to -'rcnco to aid his ambitious blockade plans.
 4. That 1t might be necessary to strengthen the British fleet in Span ish waters, to protect British inter- ests, and thus increase risk of an in- cident.
 Leaders Fear War Nears It was clear that Britain was do- ing everything 1t could to keep the peace. But the talk of government leaders more and more frankly warned the country that war might come.
 Neville Chamberlain, chancellor of the exchequer and probably next prime minister said in a speech at Leeds yesterday that Britain must fight If it's interests are attacked by foreign power.
 The government, he said, wanted to bring back to the league the great powers now outside 1t. These nations, he said, had grievances which Britain must expect to be removed by force if they could not be removed peace- ably.
 We have vital interests in several parts of the world" he added. we must fight for these interests if they are attacked"
 For the first time, the government has started to guarantee permanent employment at the conclusion of army service to men who volunteer. Cabinet ministers and others, in their speeches, began to hint that the day may come when Britain, like countries on the continent, will abandon the volunteer system and conscript men for army service.
 Blockade Has Begun Barcelona, Nov. 20-(UP)--A ra- tionalist cruiser was reported off the coast today, in token that the for- maj blockade of Barcelona had com- menced.
 Authorities sought vainly to es- tablish the ships position.
 American consular authorities, foreseeing a tense situation, issued distinctive arm bands to all Ameri- can citizens and Consul Charles B. Perkins visited President Luis Com panys, of the emi-auonomous Cata- lonian government, seeking to safe- guard United States citizens.
 The blockading cruiser was be- lieved to be the Canarias, Q modern ship of 10000 tons with eight 8-inch guns.
 Fearing that the city might be at- tackled at any time, authorities or- dered a complete blackout of light all through last night.
 Frontier reports spoke of four day ultimatum by the nationalists to foreign shipping to evacuate the port or be endangered by warship and bombing airplane raids. This would make Sunday midnight the time limit. But 1t was believed here that the blockade was in a full ef- feet now. No time limit was men, toned in the nationalist warning as heard here Wednesday--ships were ordered simply to get out at once.
 The Italian and German consular staffs and most Italian and German nationalists, left Barcelona yester- day. The consulates were closed.