SPANISH ATTACK PREDICTED

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23716, 14 August 1942, Page 4

SPANISH ATTACK PREDICTED

* THREAT TO PORTUGAL (Received August 14, 2 a.m.) (N.Z.P.A.) NEW YORK, August 12, "Emboldened by Hitler’s promise to give him Portugal, Gibraltar, and the Azores, General Franco is feyerishly preparing to launch a blitzkrieg against Portugal,” says the New York “Daily News” in a copyright article based on information provided by an agent of forces opposed to Vichy who recently escaped from Paris. The article says: “A Spanish army of 2,000,000 men is ready to march at Hitler’s word. A chain of military airports from Santander southward has been completed. Moreover, three large factories are producing a minimum of 450 aeroplanes a month. It is estimated that General Franco has a striking force of 10,000 aeroplanes. “It is stated that General Franco believes he can accomplish Portugal’s downfall within five days and then turn his full strength against Gib- “ The preparations are said to include fortifications in Spanish Morocco, assuring General Franco of control of the western entrance to the Mediterranean if the whole campaign is successful.”