BRITAIN & SPAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1940, Page 5

BRITAIN & SPAIN

SALE, OF GOODS

A BRITISH AGREEMENT.

(Per British Official Wireless).

RUGBY, December 4

“The Times” in a leading article, welcomes Ahc jßritisli-Spanish 'financial agreement. It states: It is another proof of British readiness to ease the {stringencies which the blockade imposes upon the neutral countries, wherever this can he done without relaxing pressure upon the enemy. The agreement is ‘ designed to facilitate the use of Spanish credits m this country for the importation of goods of which the Spaniards are in great want, though only in quantities and on terms which ensure none of them will find thenway to Germany, or bo used to build up stocks which Germany might seize. Spain needs a long period of peace to- Deal the economic and social wounds of the Civil War. Britain ps interested in every thijng which conduces to- prosperity and independence in the peninsula, and to the promotion' of friendly, confident relations. The agreement will be welcomed as removing, with all rasonable precautions, additional difficulties arrising out of the blockade. The agreement may be made a pact covering much wider ground. Every such agreement would broaden the road leading to a discussion of any other questions outstanding between Britain and Spain, whether during the war, or after.

A TANGIER INCIDENT

RUGBY, December 4

Local representations have been made to the Spanish Ambassador at Tangier by the British Minister at Tangier ,relating to a 1 recent incident in which certain. Italians removed or defaced notices and photographs exhibited outside of the British post office. It is understood at London that certain assurances were asked for and received, and the defaced notices have been restored.

BLOC WITH SPAIN AND BRAZIL

LISBON, December 4

The press of Portugal in a chorus, is urging the dseirability of a Portu-guese-Spanish-Brazilian bloc. The press is also suggesting that Spanish participation in the Portuguese Centenary is a proof of cordial relations, the paper adding: “When danger is near, we can combine for our common defence.■’