SPAIN PREPARES

Grey River Argus, 19 November 1942, Page 5

SPAIN PREPARES

TO DEFEND HER NEUTRALITY. (Rec. 9.45) LONDON, Nov. 18 A report from Madrid -says that <i partial mobilisation of the Spanish Army. Navy and Air Force has been ordered. . , The report says that the Spanish Government in a decree authorising the partial mobilisation, says: "The extension of war to an area that is nearer than ever to Spain anil to her colonies and her protectorate, renders certain 'reinforcement measures necessary. These measures will guarantee Spain’s position, outside of tha present conflict, ’py ensuring the defence of her integrity and sovereignty.” LONDON, Nov. 17. The Berlin radio quoted a Madrid report that the Ministerial Council ordered mobilisation for the protection of Spain’s neutrality. It also stated Germans in unoccupied France caught and handed over to Spain a former President, Largo Caballero, and several other prominent Spanish Republicans, stating they would 'm tried before a special military, court. Observers in London point out. that Spain’s Fascist background makes her ah Axis friend, but her ravaged, impoverished state makes neutrality essential for her. They state her neutrality is not threatened by the Allied move in North Africa, unless Germany decides to violate it. * The A’lies respect Spain’s (Jesire to recuperate in peace. There have been pro-Allied civilian demonstrations in Spain in th e last few days. General Franco has undoubtedly been impressed by Allied strength, implicit m the African move. This can be seen in his message to Mr Roosevelt. BERLIN VERSION (Rec. 9.45) LONDON, Nov. 18The Berlin radio says: A decree authorising a Spanish mobilisation has not yet been .signed, but probablv one will be issued' within a few hours. The decree will demonstrate that Spain is firmly determined to defend her position, and also that no foreign power \vill be permitted to enter Spanish territory.

Allied Planes FLY OVER PORTUGAL K (Rec. 12.40) LISBON. Nov. 18 The Government of Portugal has protested to both Britain and America against th e passage of Allied military planes over Portuguese territory recently. '