WAR IN SPAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1939, Page 5

WAR IN SPAIN

RECOGNITION

TO BE GIVEN GENERAL FRANCO.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copy right j.

i February 13. The diplomatic correspondent of ‘‘The Times” expresses the opinion that Britain and France will recognise General Franco simultaneously. London’s chief thought is to hasten the end of the war, believing that General Franco’s victory is certain, whether peacefully after a surrender or by a costly victory.

For that reason Britain is not likely to advance conditions to General Franco which might involve prolonging Loyalist sacrifices.

ART TREASURES,

GENEVA. February 13

The Spanish art treasures, which are being brought here for sgfe keeping until the end of the war, arrived by two special trains made up of 52 trucks, with machine-guns mounted on alternative .trucks. There are 1100 articles, among which are" paintings by Velasquez,, Goya, E} 'Gr'ec'b; 'Murillo, and Mantegna, and 800 "Sixteenth-century - '. Flemish tapestries.

TO REPAIR SPAIN,

LONDON, February 14,

It has been learned that a new conir pany, the Societa del Mediterraneo, directed by Senatore de Michelis, president of the Banco del Lavoro, and Signor Motta, head of the Italian Edison Company, has been formed to build roads and railways and electricity and water plants in Spain. It will use Italian workmen, as General Franco is likely fo be short of labour.

It is known that Germany is also offering long-term credits in an effort to obtain contracts for equipment.

ON THE BORDER.

LONDON February 13

A message from Perpignan says that the Nationalists occupy the entire frontier facing the Pyrenees Orientales Department of France. Twenty-five thousand Republicans who were cut off during the Catalan armies’ retreat are making a final stand in the snowy passes of the Pyrenees near the frontier town of Prats de.Hollo. They are hemmed -rii on three sides and are .fighting a rearguard action to cover the withdrawal of the wounded and equipment by a narrow mule track.

Consequently they are hurling heavy motor-vehicles down the mountain-side and the field ambulances will meet with the same fate when the wounded are through. j STILL UNDECIDED. (Received this day at 10.30 a.m.). PARIS, February 14. Cabinet has not decided upon the questipn of recognition of Franco. M. Berard is going to Spain to continue his mission. It is understood he will negotiate for recognition on the basis of the repatriation of volunteers and the integrity of Spanish territory. ,