FRANCO AND DUCE CONFER

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 120, 14 February 1941, Page 7

FRANCO AND DUCE CONFER

Madrid Announcementi CHANGED BALANCE OF: POWER j i|(v l'»-!*>srrM!■'■•. i —i. • • nnfnsb! > I ( Received bebruary 13. 7.30 p.m.) LOX DOX. February 13. Signor Mussolini and General Franco met and conversed twice yesterday at Bordighera. on the Italian Riviera. The Spanish Foreign Minister. Senor Suner. was present at both discussions. The first official report on the interviews comes I rum Madrid, where a communique says that they "emphasized the identity of views of the Italian and Spanish Governments respecting European and other problems concerning both countries at the present historic moment." The British United Press Vichy correspondent says the changed balance of power in the Mediterranean, as a result of General Wavell’s offensive, is reported to have been the main topic of the conversations. This is also the subject of the impending talk between Marshal Petain and General Franco, in addition to the question of a Latin Mediterranean bloc for the joint defence which Spain desires but which it is understood the Axis twice rejected. (British official Wireless.) RUGBY. February 12. British Press comments on General Franco's visit to I inly are naturally confined to speculation, hut the general view is that Italian circumstances compel Mussolini to ask rather than ordain, and that Spain's position is Stronger titan when sin l resisted the Axis pressure in the past. Commentators who detect a connection between tlie visit and the Italian defeats in North Africa remark that General Franco's relations with Britain are excellent, and see evidence of that in the recent financial and material help given to Spain by tlie British. Spanish Caul ion. A London commentator states that no doubt General Franco will display the caution he has shown in the past when faced by overtures from the Axis. General Franco will, no doubt, continue to assess Spain’s requirements at present, before anything else, as peace, quietness and l.ood. L'liere is nothing surprising in tlie report I hat while lie is in France General !• ranco mav pay a visit to Marshal Petain. The Marshal and General Franco are old friends, and the Marshal was formerly French Ambassador in Spain. It is not generally supposed that, Mussolini, himself In a serious plight, is likely to succeed where Herr Hitler, at the height of his triumph, failed. Marshal Petain is reported to have arrived this morning at his villa in the French Riviera. Admiral Darlan is reported to be with him. Reports suggest that he may meet General Franco when the Spanish leader returns from his talks witli Mussolini.