London, Jan. 3.
The arrest of Mr. Ernest Golding, the British Pro-Consul at San Sebastian, and his wife last night by Nationalist Military Police has been officially confirmed in London.
Instructions have been sent to the Acting British Agent in Burgos to ask the authorities there if the reports of the Goldings' arrest were true and, if so, to inquire for the reason for such action and to ask for immediate access to him, It is observed, however, that if such an arrest has taken place, a serious situation has been created.
Official circles point out that Mr. Golding carried out his consular duties satisfactorily, and that no complaint had ever been made against him. It would be a matter of surprise, they declared, should the Nationalists have arrested him without first bringing their evidence before the British authorities, and consulting them.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.