Spain’s Future Under Discussion

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 5

Spain’s Future Under Discussion

LONDON, February 20. Following a report that Herr Hitler, Signor Mussolini and General Franco would confer in Northern Italy in order to establish a common front on the Spanish problem, a Government spokesman in Rome formally denied that such a conference was being arranged. He said the harmony among the three totalitarian leaders was such, that a meeting was not necessary. Official quarters in Berlin also have no knowledge of any conference. A despatch from Burgos says the French representative with- 'the Nationalists, M. Eerard, after his arrival from Paris, had a two hour interview with General Jordana, Nationalist Foreign Minister.

Subsequently, M. Berard said the Nationalist Government was willing to facilitate the resumption of railway and other services, and that its attitude to political issues was more reserved. Nevertheless, M. Berard was satisfied with his friendly reception and had hopes of a satisfactory outcome of hi's mission. Diplomatic sources in Paris are more optimistic since M. Berard’s second interview with General Jordana last night, when, it is understood, he was reassured regarding the independence of Spain, and the repatriation of. volunteers after the war ends. The Paris newspaper “Excelsior” expresses the hope that the speedy estab-. lishment of normal relations between London and Paris and Burgos will now be possible. The conversations will be resumed on Wednesday. The Republican Premier, Dr. Negrin, and General Miaja, leader of the Government forces in central Spain, conferred at Cartagena. A message from Burgos says, the Nationalists have requisitioned 2SO ships under a decree authorising the employment of the Nationalists’ merchant fleet for the purpose of defence. Agricultural services have taken over 30,000 deserted farms in Catalonia and are developing them with . captured material. The normal railway service from France to Spain through Hendaye and Irun is to be resumed on Thursday.