IN WINE CELLAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 28, 3 February 1939, Page 7

IN WINE CELLAR.

PARLIAMENT MEETS,

Vote of Confidence Passed in Spanish Government. "WAR WILL BE CONTINUED. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received noon.) LONDON", February 2. ■A Perpignais message states that, addressing the Cortes (Parliament) at Figueras, Dr. Negrito, Prime Minister, revealed that the Government had bought contraband arms, including arms from Germany and Italy. .

He reiterated General Miaja's statement that the war would continue in Central Spain, even if all Catalonia was lost.

General Miaja. Dr. Negrin added that peace could only be acceptable on conditions guaranteeing Spanish independence and the people's right to choose their own regime and destiny, and 110 reprisals after the war. The British United Press correspondent at Figueras says Dr. Negrin's speech was delivered to members of the Cortes gathered in a former wine cellar. Sixty-two were 'present, and passed a vote of confidence in the Negrin Government and the Republican forces who. Dr. Negrin declared, had re-establislied the line. SPIES EMERGE. Franco Agents in Barcelona Leave Hiding. FAMOUS "FIFTH COLUMN." (Received 0.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 2. The "Daily Telegraph" Barcelona correspondent says that General •Franco's famous "Fifth Column," namely, supporters operating in Government territory, who since the start of the war, have been smuggling inforniation to liim regarding Government | dispositions, has emerged from hiding. They presented themselves to the rebel authorities at the Palace of Justice, where they received new identity cards, legalising their position. They are a motley band. Many are exarmy officers who have been harboured by Barcelona families, who knew tlieiu before the war. ' The authorities are now consulting them regarding which citizens deserve lenient treatment and which harsh. ' UNEXPECTED MOVE. France Establishing Contact With Rebels. FRANCO'S ADVANCE CONTINUES (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, February 2. Well-infonncd people in Tliris state that France is sending an extraordinary mission to General Franco to establish contacts and arrange, for the appointment of an ambassador to Burgos, the rebel headquarters.;

"The Times" Bourgmadamc correspondent says the rebels have captured Vicli and are pushing on towards the French frontier. • French soldiers have taken charge of 147 half-starved refugee children, eventually destined to go to England, many of whom are babies.

Two battalions of French troops have been reinforced on the frontier. It is significant that they are regulars and not reservists, indicating the Government's concern over the possibility of a large influx of Loyalist armed units anxious to cross the border.

"The Times" St. Jean'de Luz correspondent says the rebels have entered Berga a'nd are advancing towards Hipoll in order to block the outlet into Loyalist' territory open from the Puigcerda sector. ■ , .