FRANCO’S REGIE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 15 November 1937, Page 5

FRANCO’S REGIE

FOREIGN POLICY OUTLINED | I STATUS QUO IN THE MEDIT'ER j RANEAN ! FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH FRANCE AND ENGLAND RESTORATION OF THE MONARCHY [United Pi css Mwouiation—H.v Electric Tclograpli—Copyright! (Received 15th November, 9.45 a.m.) SALAMANCA, Mth November. 'The British United Press special correspondent states that he is authorised to provide a statement of the Franco Government's foreign policy. General Franco’s spokesman declares that Franco will not adhere to the an-li-Communist Past, though he is determined to stamp out Communism in Spain. Once peace is restored he desires good relations will all powers without joining any bloc or political axis. He will certainly remember sentimentally those nations aiding him, but sincerely desires a rapprochement with England and France. Nationalist Spain supports a status quo in the Mediterranean, and will not tolerate any direct or indirect foreign participation in Spanish affairs or the Balearic Islands. It will never enter any conflict directed against France or Britain, and will never contribute in any way to steps menacing their interests in the Mediterranean. General Franco, despite the foreign aid accepted to crush extremism, wilJ never mortgage the national patrimony. He no longer needs foreign and is prepared to let them return and will receive no further aid from abroad, provided that the same conditions apply to Barcelona. The Government of the new regime will not be parliamentary. It is possible that the youngest son of ex-King Alfonso will be enthroned. A civil Cabinet is already in the process of formation. The new Spain will not be hostile to the League of Nations, and will not tolerate interference with the colonial empire.

UNOFFICIAL RECOGNITION BY U.S.A. REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, 12th November. Stale Department officials indicated that the United States was considering the idea of following Britain's lead in indirectly and unofficially recognising General Franco’s regime by re-opening the United Stales Consulate at Bilbao. It was announced to-night that it was being viewed as a “backdoor,” if not a de jure recognition in view of General Franco’s control of Bilbao. Mr Cordell Hull, at a Press conference, declined to discuss the matter, but State Department officials later reluctantly admitted the inferences. exchangTof agents SIMILAR FACILITIES ENJOYED SALAMANCA. 12th November. An official announcement from General Franco’s Government states that the agents of nationalist Spain in London have direct access to the Foreign Office, and the British agents at Salamanca enjoy similar facilities. The Nationalist Government considers that the arrangement is temporary, leading to normal relations between Spain and Britain. General Franco’s diplomatic advisers are delighted at the exchange of notes. BASQUE CHILDREN FIRST TARTY LEAVE ENGLAND LONDON, 12th November. The first party of Basque children left England, many crying bitterly. Mrs Leah Manning, a member of the national joint committee, stated that some boys threatened to throw themselves into the sea rather than return. The children are afraid of General Franco’s supporters and uncertain as to whether the parents of many of them are still alive. SURPRISEATTACK REPUBLICANS ON ARAGON FRONT SEVERAL HILLS CAPTURED MADRID, 13th November. While the insurgents were resting before their threatened great offensive the Republicans made fierce surprise attacks in Aragon and forced back the insurgents, who rushed up Italian and Moorish reinforcements. The Republicans retreated in an orderly manner and then again attacked, capturing several hills. It is reported from Gibraltar that 1000 Moors and 300 Italians landed at Algeciras from Ceuta An insurgent mail-ship immediately went to Malaga, where troops are reported to be massing for a surprise attack against Almeria. REBEL REINFORCEMENTS MOORS AND ITALIANS INCLUDED GIBRALTAR, 13th November. Five thousand rebel reinforcements, including Moors and Italians, and 170 Fiat tanks unloaded from Italian freighters, poured into Cadis, indicating a renewal of the counter-offensive on the Posoblanco front in support of Cordoba, which loyalists still threaten.