ITALIANS IN LIMELIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 9

ITALIANS IN LIMELIGHT

GERMANS IN THE MUD

HITLER'S MESSAGE TO

FRANCO

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

(Received May 20, 9 a.m.) MADRID, May 19.

The Italians stole the limelight in General Franco's victory parade, monopolising the first hour of the march past, after which the first of all the Spanish units reached the saluting base. /

General Saliquet rode at the head of a vast column, which was preceded by motor-cyclists, but on its heels were 10,000 Italians, headed by

General Gambara. An outburst of cheering greeted the first Spanish detachment, which carried an enormous portrait .of General Francb. Seven Spanish aircraft batteries followed, then a further host of Italians, all singing and lionising the Duce. Spanish naval and military units streamed past before the singing Italians were out of earshot.

Those on the dais included th« entire Cabinet and high, military dignitaries, among whoni were Marshal Petain, French Ambassador at Burgos, the Papal Nuncio,- and the Moroccan, Grand Vizier.

Mooi-ish troops passed by shouting slogans. Planes swooped over in formation, sketching the word "Franco."

Two hours late, the German Legion passed, led by Baron yon Richtofen,, who joined General Franco at the saluting base.

Rain fell throughout the parade, and the road was a sea of mud by the time the German tanks and artillery passed.

General Franco stood at the salute for five hours.

Herr 'Hitler telegraphed to him, stating: "The thoughts of myself and the German people ,are with you. May the Spanish troops enjoy a long period of peaceful reconstruction under your "powerful leadership."