U.S. BASES IN SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26477, 19 July 1951, Page 7

U.S. BASES IN SPAIN

Reported Deal With Franco

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 18. The Madrid correspondent of the “Daily Express” says that General Franco is forming a new Government to smooth and speed the negotiations he has started with the Lmted States to give air and sea bases in return for military and economic aid.

in ivr B^ diplomats say that an official announcement that 10 Ministers have been dismissed and new men appointed will be made before the United States Navy Chief of Staff (Admiral Forrest Sherman) leaves Spain to-morrow. T Admiral Sherman has asked General Franco what he would want in return for United States use of Spanish air and naval bases. At a two-hour meeting, Admiral Sherman sought the right to use four naval bases and three to five air bases

He is reported to have told Genera? n» an f°h^ U n ,i te d States desired Cadiz (north-west of Gibraltar). Cartagena (on the Mediterranean coast), Ferrol (Qn the Bay of Biscay). and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (in the Canary Islands), and airfields at Barcelona. Madrid, and Seville, a.nd possibly Valencia and Lugo. He is said to have told General Franco that the United States is prepared tp put these bases into condition to handle American warships and planes.