BELLIGERENT RIGHTS.

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

BELLIGERENT RIGHTS.

GENERAL FRANCO’S CLAIMS

LONDON, July 18.

In a long statement on the non-in-tervention scheme, the Spanish rebel commander-in-chief, General Fraco, declares that his Govennent lias lor long ' been qualified for belligerent status. Therefore the grant of such rights cannot be conditional on the withdrawal of volunteers. . In any case, he says, the requisite guarantee is not obtainable without the authority of the Valencia Government. The insurgent army has systematically rejected all aid from foreign volunteers because it did not need them, but in view of the loyalists recruitment of foreigners, the insurgent Gov,eminent is placing no difficulties in the way of accepting offers from volim* teers. . , Nevertheless, the granting of belligerent rights would clarify the position, General Franco states. Tlie diplomatic correspondent of the Australian Associated Press agency understands that although British circles are inclined .to be optimistic concerning the. non-intervention plan the fact that all the Powers have readily agreed does not necessarily indicate that it will have a smooth pasSa fhe chairman, the Earl of Plymouth (Great Britain) said that extended discussions next week were frowned on, but France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Norway, and other States indicated that detailed discussion would be necessary on certain aspects. It is regarded as likely that unless some breakdown occurs the talks will drag on for a long period.