SPANISH WAR

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1937, Page 5

SPANISH WAR

FRANCO’S VIEWS OF VOLUNTEERS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). J, . LONDON, July 9. After .jleclarjng to the special correspondent of “The Times” at Salamanca that the withdrawal of foreign volunteers was impossible, General Franco aclded:,, “I want to hear no more about conferences with the Red rulers, because the Nationalists have only one aim, namely, a total and aosolute victory, with the object of maintaining and' perfecting the Nationalist regime.” The correspondent emphasises that this statement effectively disposes of ' recent rumours about a possible development in the Nationalists’ attitude to the problem of foreign volunteer. General Franco added: ‘‘The Nationalists frankly are not interested m the. probleW because they consider that a solution cannot be attained. They argue that the volunteers in Nationalist Spain are patriotic nationals and therefore are bound to obey orders from the Governments, whereas the volunteers in Valencia-controlled Spain are denationalised exiles, obeying nothing but their own will. Many of . the latter have already accepted Spanish nationality., “Thus the only power capable of re- . moving th,em,:.from Spanish soil is the Valencia Government,' and any Valeiician undertaking of this nature, even if guaranteed by foreign Powers, would be regarded as worthless.” The correspondent adds/that recent rumours that General Franco is seeking Britain’s friendship because of alleged differences with Italy and Germany are equally unfounded. ” / * / STATEMENT IN COMMONS. 1 5 I RUGBY, July 8. The Secretary of State for War (Mr A. Duff Cooper) denied in the House of' Commons) • a statement published abroad that British warships had been given instructions to fire on insurgent aircraft which came within range, but not Spanish Government aircraft. Mr Duff Cooper said that since the beginning of hostilities in Spain' instruction to British warships in Spanish waters 5 had been to defend themselves against any definitely hostile attacks by • aircraft. These instructions would be applied < -without' any discrimination’ whatever to 'the aircraft of both the contending parties; , HITLER CONFERS. _ LONDON, July 8. The Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says Herr Hitler, simultaneously with the meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee, summoned a conference of advisers, including Field-Marshal Blomberg .and . > General Goering.

ITALIAN STATEMENT. < LONDON, July 8. Dr. V. Gayda, in an article in the “Giornale d’ltajia,” alleging that the British Ambassador (Sir Henry Chilton), recently conferred with General Franco’s Government, declares: “Britain supported the Basques in the belief that they were able to defend their minerals. Now that the Basques are tottering she throws thorn overboard and turns with inviting smiles to General Franco.” Dr. Gayda adds; “Both Britain and France are seeking Spanish naval /ones and ports. Even Gibraltar, is insufficient for Britain. It is a policy of economic, political and military encirclement against Italy and Germany, aiming at depriving them of freedom of supplies and the seas.” I AMMUNITION SOLD. V ' j PARIS, July 8. Three French railway employees »rc charged with stealing a waggon load of -gunpowder, . forging invoices, and uncoupling a truck from a train en route to the Maginot Line.' The truck was redirected to the Spanish frontier, and sold to the rebels. GERMANS RETURN HOME, (Received this day at 10.40 n.m.) PARIS, July 9. It is reported that 150 German tank / and aviation technicians have returnV ed home from Spain' owing to a nonrenewal of their contracts. BASQUE } CAMP u (Received this day at 10.40 n.m.) LONDON, July 9. The Basque camp near North Stoneham is being closed at the end of this ' moneh. Only nine hundred children remain including seventy returned from the Salvation Army’s' Home at Slapton owing to unruliness.