FASCIST POWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22774, 7 July 1937, Page 13

FASCIST POWERS

SPANISH PROBLEM ATTITUDE UNALTERED ITALIAN WRITER'S HINT DESTINY OF EUROPE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 6, 8.28 p.m.) Times Cablo LONDON. July 6 The Berlin correspondent of the Times says there is still no sign of a further contribution from the German Government toward a solution of the problem of nonintervention in Spain so far as Berlin is concerned.

The Paris correspondent of the paper says the Government, it is understood, does not intend to formulate any alternative to either the Franco-British plan or the ItaloGerman counter proposals, although it is prepared to consider any suggested compromise. The Rome correspondent of the Times reports that the Italian newspapers emphasise the intention of Italy and Germany to stand by their proposals which are claimed to be constructive and inspired by a wide view of general interests. Signor Gayda, in U Giornale d'ltalia, says: "Everything will be made clearer within the -next few days. Europe will know what paths her destiny is to follow."

COST OF SUCCESS FRANCO'S BILBAO LOSSES 20,000 KILLED AND WOUNDED APPEAL FOR MORE ASSISTANCE (Received July 7, 1.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 6 The Paris correspondent of the Manchester Guardian has received "from a most reliable source" a summary of a secret document General Franco, leader of the Spanish insurgents, has sent to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini, and possibly to the Portuguese Government. It is divided into three sections, military, political and economic.

General Franco says he lost 20,000 men, killed and wounded, and 20 per cent of his war material in the course of the Bilbao campaign, but believes the morale of the Government supporters has sunk so low that the war on the northern front can be wound up in three months and the troqps released.

General Franco emphasises that it is absolutely necessary to avoid a second winter campaign. He proposes a simultaneous offensive against the Madrid front, with the object of cutting off Valencia from Barcelona, but adds that a double offensive requires reinforcements from abroad. General Franco asks for 125,000 more men, 500 more aeroplanes and 50 batteries of tanks.

In the political section of the memorandum General Franco expresses the opinion that the time is ripe to persuade foreign Powers to recognise his Government. He hopes that those which are reluctant to do so will at least grant him belligerent rights, which he considers of vital importance to his military success. He admits ho has not the support of the Spanish people, but declares he is ready to hold a referendum in insurgent territory, and promises Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini a favourable result.

PRESENT UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUATION DANGEROUS MR. ROOSEVELT'S WARNING (Received July 6, 8.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 5 In the course of a letter to the University of Virginia, President Roosevelt said that any accentuation of international uncertainties would bring about disaster and human suffering beyond the grasp of man's mind.

The continuation of the existing uncertainties in the international sphere was highly prejudicial to the well-being of tho United States. Mr. Roosevelt said the Administration's trade agreements programme was a constructive beginning of an untrammelled movement of goods between the nations and the preservation of peace.

MEDITERRANEAN ROUTES IMPORTANCE TO BRITAIN INTERESTS IN SPAIN British Wireless RUGBY, July 5 The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, speaking to-day in Warwickshire, said that for Britain the Mediterranean was not a short cut but a main arterial road. In her view Spain's form of Government was a matter for tho Spanish people, but disinterestedness in this matter must not be taken to mean disinterestedness where British interests were concerned on land or sea, on tho frontiers of Spain or the trade routes that pass by her.

Mr. Eden added that Britain wanted nothing from Spain except friendly, normal relations.

NEUTRAL POLICY CAPTAIN "POTATO" JONES 1500 REFUGEES CARRIED PARIS, July 5 Captain "Potato" Jones arrived today at St. Nazairo with 1000 Santander refugees. Ho has changed tho name of his ship from Marie Llewellyn to Kellwyn, and he- desires tho title of "Potato" to bo dropped. When asked whether he worked for the rebels a& well as the loyalists, Captain Jones replied: "Yes, I go to Franco ports. Why not? England is neutral and one must not play favourite*."