An attempt to assassinate Senhor Salazar, the Portuguese Minister of Finance and virtual dictator, has created a sensation in Portugal. He was arriving at the private chapel where he usually hears Mass, when there was a loud explosion and a cloud of dust. Senhor Salazar was, however, uninjured, and straightway walked into the church amid the cheers of the onlookers. Neighbouring buildings were damaged by this powerful bomb, but no one was hurt.
Soviet-Japanese Incident
A serious incident between Japan and Russia in the Far East threatened to cause grave complications last week. A Soviet gunboat was sunk by Japanese forces off Sennufu island in the Amur river, on the Manchurian frontier. The trouble is due to the Soviet occupation of two islands in the river, which, it is contended in Moscow, were part of the former Russian Empire. It was, however, thought that an agreement had been reached and that RuSsia had agreed to evacuate the islands. After negotiations between the Japanese and the Russian Foreign Offices, the incident was regarded as settled. The Russians agreed to evacuate the island immediately and the Manchurian troops and boats in the vicinity were also withdrawn.
German Pastors Tried
German pastors belonging to the Confessional or Opposition movement continue to be tried and arrested. The latest to be arrested is Pastor Niemoeller, the courageous pastor of Berlin-Dahlem, who is the leader of the Confessional pastors. A secret trial has taken place at Moabit, where two pastors were sentenced and one pastor and a layman acquitted on a charge of reading from the pulpit the names of parishioners who had left the church. A decree has furthermore been issued by the German Government placing all Protestant Church finances in the hands of the Minister for Church Affairs, Herr Kerrl, together with another that church premises cannot be used for propaganda and that there must be no propaganda for the corning Church elections. These decrees are a crippling blow to the Confessional Church.
Belgian Premier in London
M. van Zeeland, who has returned from the United States on the Normandie, disembarked at Southampton and is having conversations with Mr. Eden and Mr. Chamberlain. It is known that, to some extent as a result of his visit, the United States Government is willing and eager to give some stimulus to world trade and the lowering of tariff barriers. It is believed that if Great Britain is willing to make certain concessions, there is a real possibility of an understanding being reached in the near future.
French Crisis
After the Bourse had closed for two days, the appropriate Cabinet decrees were published and the franc found its new level between 125 and 130 per £1. The Chamber and Senate both voted plenary powers for the Chautemps Government. M. Bonnet has outlined a new financial programme, involving heavy fresh taxes, no new expenditure. and advances from the Bank of France. A decree controlling prices has also been issued. Railway fares are to he increased by 15 per cent. The threatened hotel lock-out has been averted.
Trouble in Palestine
The Arab Higher Committee has met to consider the secession of certain members and issued an urgent appeal for unity at this time of crisis. Meanwhile the Royal Commission's report was issued on Thursday and, in view of the almost certain recommendation of partition, trouble was expected. H.M.S. Repulse has arrived in Haifa.
Spanish Civil War
Little progress has been made, although the Nationalist advance in the direction of Santander and in Leon continues to be steady. It is thought, however, that a large-scale offensive may develop soon.
Meanwhile, efforts of the Non-Intervention Committee have reached a deadlock, as the Anglo-French proposals are for completing the gap in the naval control scheme caused by 1talo-German withdrawal, and the German and Italian representatives propose the shelving of naval control and the granting of belligerent rights to both parties.
Miss Earhart Stranded
Miss Earhart and her navigator, Captain Noonan, crashed in the Pacific during their world flight. An ocean-wide search was made for them, and at the time of writing it is thought that they are still alive either On a reef' or floating on their 'plane. Faint wireless messages are thought to have been detected, but the outlook is very grave.