DELAY IN REPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 189, 12 August 1938, Page 7

DELAY IN REPLY.

FRANCO EXPLAINS.

Intricate Nature of British Note to Rebels. NO LACK OF GOODWILL. Cnited Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 11. It is reliably stated that General Franco has assured Sir Robert Hodgson, British representative in rebel Spain, that the intricate natnre of the document was the only reason for the delay in his reply to the British plan for the withdrawal of volunteers.

There was not any lack of goodwill.

General Franco's representatives at Burgos explain that he is exceptionally busy militarily and many points of the plan require his personal consideration.

British and French diplomatic circles were concerned at General Franco's nonacceptance of the British plan for the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain, according to earlier advices.

Sir Noel Charles, the British Charge d'Affaires in Rome, interviewed the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, and drew attention to reports that Italy is still actively aiding General Franco with reinforcements and munitions.

Sir Noel expressed no opinion as to the accuracy of the reports, but pointed out that they were bound to create difficulties for the French Prime Minister, M. Daladier, who might feel compelled to reopen the Pyrenean frontier.

It is understood Count Ciano replied that he had not heard of the allegations and would inquire into {hem.

In the meantime, the Spanish Republican Foreign Minister, Don Julio del Vayo, in an interview with the British and French envoys at Barcelona, stressed the Spanish Government's difficulties through its acceptance of the British plan. They were still at a disadvantage at sea, while faced with the closed French frontier.

It is believed, says the Bayonne correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph," that France has warned General Franco that the frontier may be reopened unless the French Vice-Consul at Iran, who has been detained by the Nationalists for months without a charge being laid, is released forthwith.

A British official wireless message from Rugby states that the Spanish Government's anxiety at the delay in General Franco's reply regarding his attitude to the plan for the withdrawal of volunteers has been conveyed to Britain by British representatives at Barcelona. MASTER CONFUSED. Hold-Up of British Ship in Spanish Waters. DUTCH TANKER SIGNALLED. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, August 11. The Union Castle Ldne stated that their steamer, the Llandaff Castle, was not stopped by an armed trawler, as reported yesterday. They explained that a Dutch sloop fired a blank shot at a Dutch tanker as a signal to stop. The master of the Llandaff Castle was not sure which vessel was meant, and he slowed down, and then proceeded at full speed when he realised that the signal was not meant for him.

The usual rebel patrol boat was in the vicinity, but did not interfere, which accounts for the passengers apparently being confused.