PRESSURE ON SPAIN

Grey River Argus, 2 February 1944, Page 2

PRESSURE ON SPAIN

BY AMERICA AND BRITAIN. TAus. & N.Z. Press Assn.] (Rec. 6.30.) LONDON-, Jan. 31. The British Ambassador (Sir S. Hoare) saw General Franco during the week-end. It is understood that outstanding questions between Britain and Spain were fully covered in the discussions. No information is available in London as to the results of the conversations for yvhich Sir S. Hoare is acting on instructions issued a week or two ago. Diplomatic correspondents of London morning papers stated that Sir S. Hoare had very frank conversations with General Franco during the last few days, and that he declared that Britain was in full agreement with the American Government’s decision to suspend oil shipments to Spain. The correspondents state Sir S. Hoare reiterated British views on the detention of Italian ships at Spanish ports, the presence of Spanish volunteers in Russia, and activities of German agents and anti-British elements in Spain. Reuter’s Madrid correspondent says The Spanish Ambassador at London, the Duke of Alba, has arr rived at Madrid by air. The Rome radio, commenting on the Spanish situation, said: “Spam must submit, or must fight. Following the American Republics and Argentina, it is now Spain’s turn to bend the knee or die. There can be no doubt which course Falangist Spain will follow.”