SPAIN'S PEACE OFFER TO BELLIGERENTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 91, 17 April 1943, Page 5

SPAIN'S PEACE OFFER TO BELLIGERENTS

READY TO INTERVENE Hopes "Noble Motives" Will Become Reality N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. noon. LONDON, April 16. "Spain is ready to offer her good offices to achieve the restoration of world-wide peace," declared General Jordana, Spanish War Minister, in a speech at Barcelona. He added that the Holy See and neutral nations should collaborate. "Spain, which is strong and united behind General Franco, is ready to face whatever dangers threaten with a firm spirit of independence," he said. "She hopes calm, rational men of all countries will support the motives inspiring her to seek peace and will prepare for it as soon as possible. Holy See Will Help "The Holy See, which labours with such love for the welfare of humanity and those nations war has so far spared, will doubtless be able to facilitate the advent of peace and collaborate in the preparation of treaties. We trust these noble motives inspiring us, and which we share with other nations, will become a reality in the not distant future, securing enormous benefits from a fraternal peace on which we have placed the greatest hopes.

"If this peace is fulfilled it will not be on the basis for the aggrandisement of our country, except that in having contributed to peace we will feel satisfied before God and the world in having realised one of the highest accomplishments in history," General Jordana continued.

"Justice and Fraternity" "'ln the field of foreign questions Spain to-day has always possessed a perfect understanding of the highest mission encumbent on her, namely, the bringing to Europe, in the words of the Caudillo, 'serenity of judgment, when the moment arrives for reason to impose itself upon the passions, and open horizons of hope for the Continents.' These magnificent words point the way for all Spaniards in the high mission of aiding the re-establishment of peace on earth based on justice and fraternity among men and peoples. Only peace reached in such a form will be lasting and satisfying the desire of millions. If they don't attain such a peace terrible revolutionary convulsions will fall on them and end in another war."

General Jordana added that Communism is the world's greatest menace. Berlin radio, reporting on General Jordana's speech, emphasised only this aspect.

The American Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, at his Press conference in Washington, referred to General Jordana's offer and said the United States Government's sole objective is the unconditional' surrender of the Axis.

Since the war began a number of peace "feelers" and peace offers have been made by the Axis Powers. As early as the end of June, 1040, Britain denied Nazi rumours that Sir Samuel Hoare was seeking peace terms. At the same time the United States reported that Germany was making peace overtures. In December of that year the House of Commons debated Axis peace offers, and the motion was rejected. Sir.ce then there have been repeated reports of Nazi peace feelers, coming mainly through neutral countries. The most sensational was brought by Hess on his dramatic flight to England just prior to the Nazi invasion of Russia. Germany offered Britain peace on condition that she joined in the "fightvagainst Bolshevism." Germany tried to raise the Bolshevism bogy again after her recent setback in Russia. The most important peace offers last year came through Sweden.