FATE OF MINORCA

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 13

FATE OF MINORCA

NEGOTIATION MOVE

BRITAIN IN FAVOUR

LONDON, February 8.

The "Daily Telegraph" says that General Franco is reported to have made it known in London that he desires to come to terms with Minorca as soon as possible on a strictly Spanish basis and without Italian and German support. Britain also favours this plan. , The British idea, says the "Daily Mail," is to avoid conflict in or about Minorca because of its possible effect oh the general Mediterranean situation. It is believed that Britain is prepared to facilitate a purely Spanish peace by placing a war vessel at General Franco's disposal for the sole purpose of conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca. The "Daily Telegraph" says that reports reaching London indicate that General Franco is increasingly anxious to re-establish the monarchy as soon as possible. Regarding Italy's intentions, the "Daily Telegraph" says it is understood that Count Ciano informed the British Ambassador in Rome, Lord Perth, that Italy's Spanish policy re- I mains as stated by Signor Mussolini i during Mr. Chamberlain's visit to Rome, namely that all Italian troops will be withdrawn as soon as General Franco's victory is complete and that thereafter Italy has no intention of intervening in Spanish internal affairs.