FRANCO'S WISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 11

FRANCO'S WISH.

Without Italian Or German

Support.

PURELY ON SPANISH BASIS.

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Keeeived 9.30 n.m.)

LONDON*, February 8

General Franco is reported to have made it known in London that he desires to come to terms with Minorca as soon as possible on a strictly Spanish basis, without Italian and German support, which Britain also favours, says the "Daily Telegraph." The British idea, says the "Daily Mail," is to avoid a conflict in or about Minorca, owing to the possible effect on the general Mediterranean situation. It is believed Britain is prepared to facilitate a purely Spanish peace by placing a war vessel at General Franco's disposal for the sole purpose of conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca. The Associated Press, however, says that while official confirmation of the placing of a warship at General Franco's disposal is not forthcoming, it is believed Hie cruiser Devonshire, at present at Port Mahon. Minorca, will leave to-day for an undisclosed destination. The "Daily Telegraph" says reports reaching London indicate that General Franco is increasingly anxious to reestablish the monarchy at the earliest possible moment. <s MAY SURRENDER. Britain's Efforts For Peace With Minorca. SERVICES OF WARSHIP. (K.c-lv.Ml •_• p.m.) LONDON. February 8. " i in- I i;ncs" diplomatic correspondent a \ .. ill.'.' Hi-cms a fair chance that the Mill'.in: tilks will result in the island ■■urreiidering. The captain of H..M.S. Devonshire, on which an envoy travelled, delayed the return to Majorca for 24 hours, and an announcement is expected to-morrow. The placing of a warship at General Franco's disposal is likely to br misconstrued, but Britain seeks to ensure that the occupation will be wholly Spanish. and also desires to curtail bloodshed and avoid reprisals, fearing that Minorca is certain to be bombed shortly. Britain offered her services after consultation with France ae the only way of bringing the two sides together. REST FOR TROOPS. Franco's Plan After Conquest Of Catatonia. LOYALISTS IN CENTRAL ZONE. Independent Cnble Service. LONDON", February 8. It is reported from Lisbon tint General Franco plans to rest his armies for at least a month after completing the C'atalonian conquest before taking the offensive in the central zone, where General Miaja. with 500,000 troops, better equipped than the Catalonians, and with plentiful ammunition, is preparing a determined defence, although the food shortage is likely to be acute. The death sentence is demanded in the first court-martial of a leading Loyalist being held in Barcelona. Accused is F.douardo Barriobero, aged 03, an Anarchist lawyer and a former attorneygeneral, who organised the people's tribunals to try enemies of the Republic. He is accused of sending scores of innocent people to their death. MIAJA'S PEACE TALKS. Said To Have "Asked Conditions For Surrender. ARMY IN' MADRID. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON", February 8. The "Daily Mail" Paris correspondent savs General Miaja is reported to have opened peace talks and is seeking conditions under which the armies of Madrid and Central Spain can lay down their arms.