FRANCO'S DENIAL

Evening Star, Issue 25700, 25 January 1946, Page 5

FRANCO'S DENIAL

NOT INFLUENCED BY AXIS HO PERSECUTIONS IN SPAIN MADRID, January 24. General Franco has denied that he ever subscribed to the political views of Hitler and Mussolini. In an interview with an Associated Press correspondent the Spanish dictator declared that Spain" was developing towards complete democratic rule. The question of the restoration of the monarchy would be approached when it became suitable to the nation's interests. "It will have to be the Spaniards themselves who pronounce in favour of a return to the monarchy," lie said. General Franco's denial that he subscribed to the views of the dictators was given when the correspondent pointed out that Spain was vrw'ed abroad as an ally of Germany and Italy. Franco said that Spain wls not influenced by Germany or Italy. He condemned the persecution carried out in Germany and Italy. " There are no persecutions in Spain. There is religious freedom for all," he added. " Spain has passed through a bitter oivil war, and after such conflict i.-.ust go forward carefully. It cannot jump to another regime haphazardly." He claimed that the Cortes was functioning for three years. All laws recommended by the Government had to pass through the Cortes. Measures which he, as head of the Stale, wanted, put into effect had to be approved by the Cortes. Progress towards democracy must be slow until the ppople were fully prepared. [" The British Government on all relevant occasions has displayed its dislike for the present regime, which abetted our enemies, and has forcefully enunciated anxiety that !.he regime should, by the activities of tbo Spanish people themselves, be superseded by a regime popularly supported The British Government has m no way modified these views," said Mr Bevin in the House of Commons.']