WAR IN SPAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1939, Page 5

WAR IN SPAIN

GENERAL FRANCO RECOGNITION COMING. (Independent Cable). (Received this day at 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 15. Mr Neville Chamberlain announced in the Commons that Britain’s recognition of General Franco, was still under consideration, but officials at Whitehall admit the recognition is “only a matter of time.” The Postmaster-General has announced that mail services to Government Spain have been suspended until further notice, although the mails to General Franco’s territory are being despatched normally. A SUSPECTED MOVE. PARIS, February 15. Observers see a possibility that Signor Mussolini will keep his army in Spain at the end of the war by turning it into a “civilian labour corps.” This links up with the formation of the Sorieta del Mediterraneo for -creating public utilities in which supply of Italian labour to General Franco is an important point. The general plan is to, demobilise the troops, then immediately form a labour corps, storing the arms at strategic points. The corps would be subject to the same discipline as the army. , “TIMES” COMMENT. LONDON, February 14. Referring to the discussion to be held by the Cabinet to-morrow regarding recognition of General Franco, “The Times,” in a leading article, expresses the hope that the decision will be Based on facts. It adds that recognition should be accorded whenever General Franco’s authority is deemed sufficient. “He does not possess Madrid; but . this need not be a condition of recogni- I tion, because otherwise a desperate 1 resistance by General Miaja might be encouraged,” it continues. /

“General Franco’s” policy is ‘Spain for the Spaniards.’ It is important to appoint to Spain at the appropriate time a British Ambassador of the highest character to ensure worthy representation in the era of reconstruction.

“It is useless to cry ‘Arms for Spain’ when heaps of arms have been abandonee!. The cessation of bloodshed is the paramount need. The war has become senseless.' ■ “It is time to,'close a chapter of heroism and crime and begin rebuilding. The only visible master builder is General Franco.” FURTHER SHELLING. MADRID, February 15. Madrid was again shelled to-day. The bombardment lasted for thirty minutes. FRENCH CABINET. PARIS, February 14. Cabinet has met, and is considering tlie recognition of General Franco. Calbinet lias not yet Heckled upon the question, but M. Bernard is going to Spain, to continue his mission. It is understood that he will negotiate recognition on the basis of the repatriation of volunteers, and The integrity of Spanish territory.

FRANCE’S ATTITUDE. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.). PARIS, February 15. M. Leon Berard is returning to Burgos to-morrow. He said he was more certain than ever of the necessity for establishing friendly relations with the Franco administration. v It is believed- M. Berard will ask General Franco to confirm the assurances given by General Jordana ten days ago. If successful, it is expected that M. Georges Bonnet- (Foreign Minister) will ask the Council of Ministers to grant General Franco de jure recognition. REPETITION OF MINORCA. (Received this da v at 11.30 a.m.). ' PARIS, February 15. “Lo Soir” declares that Britain and France are planning to repeat the Minorca coup at Cartagena, arid have threatened Senor Juan Negrin (Premier of Republican Spain) that unless the Government surrenders, British and French fleets will be used to intimidate the Cartagena authorities. POSITION OF GIBRALTAR. (Received this day at 1.0 p.rn.). LONDON, February 15. . Sir Richard Harrington, addressing the Empire Society said: “I don’t believe General Franco has installed guns with hostility against Gibraltar. There were never over four 12-inch howitzers and , thefce were removed months since.” He added that during the crisis there were four anti-aircraft guns at Gibraltar, but things were vastly different now. REFUGEES IN FRANCE. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) PARIS, February 15. It is officially announced that there are 340,000 Spanish refugees throughout France. One hundred and eighty thousand are soldiers,, 63,000 children,

63,000 • women, and 30,000 aged’ and wounded.

PRESIDENT AZANA

(Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) PARIS, February 15

Senor del Yayo (Spanish' Foreign Minister) arrived by air. He urged President Azana to return to Madrid. It is understood President Azana declined.

General Miaja (Loyalist Commander) reporting to Senor Azana, emphasised the strength of the ' Republican defences, and inisisted on their ability to maintain resistance if supplies were assured from abroad.