FRANCO REGIME IN SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24865, 3 May 1946, Page 7

FRANCO REGIME IN SPAIN

Report From Secret Session Of UNO (N.Z. Pre, A»oci«Uon—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 1. A communique issued after the first secret session of the Security Council's committee inquiring into General Franco’s regime announced that preliminary consideration had been given to the mass of documents and communications, most of which urged recognition of the Spanish Republican Government. Some advocated that a new regime should be established in Spain on the basis of a free and democratic election. Only two or three telegrams and letters were favourable to General Franco and objected to any interference in Spanish internal affairs. The communique said that the Secretary-General of UNO (Mr Trygve Lie) had been directed to ask every member of the United Nations to supply all relevant material on tha Spanish question. Representatives of the Spanish Republican Government are standing by in readiness to give evidence if called on to do so. They published a telegram from the Republican Prime Minister (Senor Giral) alleging that 560 persons were goaled or mistreated in Barcelona, 25 of whom are near death and that a further 500 had been mistreated at Andalusia.

“Those Republicans who burned your churches, assaulted your womenfolk, and brought in the International Brigade to make your streets run blood now go about the world showing their moral level by hurling insults at Spain,” said General Franco in a speech from the balcony of the Albacete Town Hall. General Franco said that the great crowds which welcomed him during his two-day trip through Murcia, Cartagena and Albacete formed a real plebiscite of public opinion. "You, by your magnificent demonstrations, have given the best answer to these people who attempt to masquerade behind democratic phrases. Here indeed is the source of my power,” he said.