THE CIVIL WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 38, 24 November 1937, Page 5

THE CIVIL WAR.

DIPLOMATIC RANK RAISED. BRITISH POST AT VALENCIA. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) LONDON, November 23. The British Government raised Mr J. H. Leche, Charge d’Affaires at Valencia, to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary. The Australian Associated Press understands that this action v r as taken to placate the Spanish Government, which protested against Sir Robert Hodgson’s appointment as British agent to General Franco’s area of Spain.

WITHDRAWAL OF VOLUNTEERS. FRANCO MAKES RESERVATIONS. LONDON, Nov. 22. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that General Franco’s reply has been sent to the NonIntervention Committee, which is transmitting it from the British Embassy at Hendaye to the Foreign Of-, fice. It accepts in principle the proposal to send commissions to Spain to arrange the withdrawal of volunteers, but contains reservations and requests certain explanations. There is still no news of a reply’from Barcelona. BRITISH GRANT TO RED CROSS. LONDON, November 22. The British Government’s grant of £SOOO to the International Red Cross will be used for medical stores and hospital equipment for both sides. The Red Cross committee is also interesting itself in negotiations for the exchange of prisoners.