FOREIGN FORCES IN SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21976, 28 December 1936, Page 7

FOREIGN FORCES IN SPAIN

Italy May Withdraw From “Hornets’ Nest” reported offer TO GERMANY ECONOMIC AID IF POLICY IS REVERSED (UNITED PBEbS ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT.) (Received December 27, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 27. No indication has yet reached London about the attitude of the powers to the French and British appeal to cease the flow of volunteers to Spain, but the diplomatic correspondent of the “Sunday Times” says it is felt that Germany may take the opportunity of extricating herself from an increasingly difficult situation. The financial cost is important in view of Germany’s economic position. British observers doubt whether Spanish manganese ore and other commodities will recompense Germany for the transport of 15,000 men to Spain. Another aspect is how lung General Franco will require foreign mercenaries, as it is doubtful if Germany contemplates indeterminate “occupation.” Moreover, the wounded are bringing unsatisfactory reports of General Franco’s position. It is hoped that Italy will exert a moderating influence. It is mentioned that Italian volunteers are apparently in an inferior position to the Germans, and Italy dislikes playing second fiddle. The Paris correspondent of the “Observer” says it is reported that a plan has been evolved in London and Paris to assist Germany economically if Herr Hitler reverses his present policy. Meanwhile it Is believed that Italy is considering withdrawing from the hornets’ nest, and is also seeking a reconciliation with France because of the strength and closeness of French and British co-operation. NOTE FROM FRANCE AND BRITAIN AVERTING A “SUICIDAL PLUNGE” ♦Received December 27, 11.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 26. The London correspondent of the "New York Times” says the British and French Governments have instructed their Ambassadors in Berlin, Rome, Moscow, and Lisbon to present a joint note informing the . powers that Britain and France view with anxiety the gradual transformation of the Spanish civil war into an international conflict for the advancement of opposing political principles. He adds that Britain and France are soon likely to request Herr Hitler to state his country’s economic needs in order to avert a suicidal plunge, and conditionally to offer aid. v - A DAY OF TERROR I * NO CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY IN MADRID (Received December 27, 7.5 p.m.) MADRID, December 25. Instead of a day of peace and goodwill, Christmas Day was one of terror for Madrid residents. The insurgents renewed the bombardment begun in the morning at 4 o’clock. Shells hit the telephone building three times. Others fell in the Gran Via, which was crowded. The Government ordered that Christmas Day should not be observed as a holiday, and consequently the population carried out its customary tasks. An insurgent communique issued at Avila states that Government troops bombed Merida and Badajoz. Twenty-five were killed and 48 were Wounded. newspaper office WRECKED ITALIAN SAILORS RESENT ARTICLES .Received December 27, 11.50 p.m.) TANGIER, December 27. One hundred ana fifty Italian bluejackets, headed by an officer, marched to the offices of a Spanish VTo-Government paper, threw documents into the street, and wrecked the plant because they resented articles allegedly insulting Italy.