Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 21st., 1936. SPANISH REVOLT

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1936, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 21st., 1936. SPANISH REVOLT

jyjESSAGES from Spain concerning the revolt are stranger than truth or fiction, being a mixture of both. Sensational allegations abound, but in view of the censorship and the changing control of wireless stations, it is diffioull to .judge exactly what is happening. District correspondents of foreign newspapers are taking advantage of the opportunity the situation gives them, but many of the reports are contradictory, suggesting that the senders’ informa-

tion is limited, and that wild rumours arc the base of most of the cabled news. The Government has been claiming successes, but the resignation of the Cabinet and other admitted developments arc significant, and it would appear that the rebels are making real progress. If the reported capture of Madrid is correct, the plight of the Government must be serious.

Spain has been a most distressful country for many years, progress being impossible owing to national dissensions. It was hoped that the establishment of a republic would secure greater co-opera-tion, but, the Left, extremists on the one side and the Fascists on the other, between them, made matters worse. Since the last general elections, the Leftists have had great sway, until what is really Bolshevism, has spread rapidly. Workers resorted to direct action, factories and other premises were “occupied,” and job control became! rampant. Attacks on Monarchists] and Fascists increased in severity, 1 with consequent, retaliation, until

tragic happenings becajne commonplace. The Government, did not take, drastic action against the workers, who are, of course, their chief adherents, and it is not surprising therefore that the allegiance of many former supporters was weakened.

There seems little desire on the part of the re,rollers to restore the monarchy. Neither ex-King Alfonso, nor any of his sons, are of the type to arouse enthusiasm, and few would risk life and liberty for their sake. The alternative to the republic would be Fascist control.

and in view of what such dictatorship means in Italy, what Nazism is in Germany, it is doubtful if Spain would welcome this change. When the fighting and the tumult dies, whichever side wins—at present, both art* according to the claims—-would be wise to oppose the extremists in the ranks. Spain cannot prosper nor regain lost prestige among the Powers, if internal divisions continue. President Azana, the former Premier, is reputed to be a strong man, but, so far, his era has not produced the predicted results. This present challenge to the Government is the most serious yet, proving if nothing else, that compromise is essential. Hitherto. the Army and Navy have upheld the republic, but it is ominous that in the present outbreak, many soldiers and sailors are among the rebels. Within a few days, it should be possible to know which way the issue is being decided, but the cost of the outbreak will be enormous, adding to the already heavy financial difficulties of the administration. Happily, Spain is not threatened with foreign intervention, and her internal troubles are not likely to lead to a sterner and wider conflict.