ONE YEAR’S WAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 195, 19 July 1937, Page 7

ONE YEAR’S WAR

POSITION IN SPAIN. CLAIMS BY BOTH SIDES. RESULTS OF THE FIGHTING. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received July 19, 11.20 a.m. LONDON, July 18. Both sides in Spain, recalling that the civil war started a year ago today, sum up the results and discuss the future.

“We have been fighting a cruel war. It has been hell, but victory has been ours all along,” claims the rebel General Franco in a specially written article in the Sunday Chronicle. Ho proceeds: “The war is nothing less than a world battle between Communism and anti-Communism. Not an inch of Spanish land lias been given or promised anyone. Not a single foreigner has joined my forces except as a true volunteer. Moreover, not a single piece of armament has been received as a gift or contribution. “Naturally, wheu Spain is again free and independent, we shall look more favourably upon the nations which have openly supported us rather than upon those who have openly, opposed or chosen an indifferent attitude, waiting for the outcome of the war; but we shall not keep any grudge because of lack of faith in our movement.” The British Upited Press correspondent at Salamanca says that thousands marched to General Franco’s headquarters and heard him make a speech from a balcony, declaring: “The Reds are defeated; we are victorious by land, air and sea.” On the other side. General Miaja, the defender of Madrid, has issued a statement declaring: “If a year of war demonstrates that tlie people could not be defeated when they lacked organisation and material, they will be asured of triumph when they possess adequate resources.” Senor Indalecio’ Prieto, Minister of Defence, in a broadcast made an appeal to the army and the people to bring peace nearer by speeding up victory in the field.

SITUATION EASIER.

COMMENT ON BRITISH PLAN

(British Official Wireless.) Received July 19, 11.50 a.m. RUGBY, July 17

The result of the plenary meetings of the Non-Intervention Committee is regarded as satisfactory and, according to the Daily Telegraph, has eased the tension in the international situation. The features of the plan which attract most attention in the newspapers are those dealing with the recognition of a state of belligerency, which, it is pointed out, is an entirely different matter from, recognition of the insurgent authorities and the withdrawal of volunteers. Attention is directed to the fact that the British Government does not contemplate even limited recognition until the withdrawal from Spain of these foreign combatants is definitely undertaken. . . . The Times says: It is in the mteiests of all that Britain should continue to do everything she (/in to maintain the precarious unity of action among the Powers in limiting the Spanish conflict. • The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain), speaking at Middlesborough, referred to tbe unanimous request of tbe Non-Intervention Committee to the British Government to propose a plan for dealing with the Spanish situation. He said lie did not believe that a similar tribute; had ever b-,en paid to the impartiality prul single-mindedness of a great Power.