INTERESTS IN SPAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 110, 5 November 1937, Page 9

INTERESTS IN SPAIN

BRITAIN TO APPOINT AGENTS

DEALINGS WITH INSURGENTS

NO CHANGE IN ATTITUDE TOWARDS CONTENDING PARTIES

(United Tress Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

(Eeeeived November 5, 10.5 a.m.)

LONDON, November *. The Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, confirmed, in a speech in the House of Commons, negotiations with the insurgent leader in Spain, General Franco, for the appointment of agents for the discussion of questions affecting British interests and Nationals. The agents will have no diplomatic status. , Mr. Chamberlain said that the Government had no mtention of making any variation in the attitude it had consistently adopted to the contending parties. They were, however, bound to take account of their responsibilities for the protection ot British nationals and of commercial interests throughout Spain, including those large areas in the north-west and southwest, as well as in the Spanish zone of Morocco, of which General Franco's forces are now in effective occupation. Accordingly the Government had entered into negotiations for the appointment of agents by Britain and by General Franco respectively. The Australian Associated Press Agency learns that the delay in announcing Britain's representation in insurgent Spain is due to its determination to first clear up the sinking by bombing of the steamer Jean Weems. The Salamanca authorities have promised searching inquiry and Britain is awaiting a satisfactory outcome. . # It is emphasised at Whitehall that representation will not mean diplomatic recognition of General Franco. The position will be similar to that in Abyssinia. ,