FRENCH CONCERN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 7

FRENCH CONCERN

SIGNIFICANT MOVE PLAN FOR INTERVENTION II MUSSOLINI FAILS TO WITH DRAW TROOPS (Received 25th January, 9.15 a.m ) LONDON, 24th January. France is unanimous in assuming that

the attacks by the Italian Press are not | based on an honest desire to discuss ! legitimate claims, but represent an ar- | tifleial campaign to justify imperialis- ■ lie pretensions. Commentators recall ! the parallel of the German Press abuse a jainst the Czechs till Herr Hitler show--1 od his hand. Almost the whole French Press envisages the possibility of a difficulty 'arising necessitating a postponement i in carrying out Signor Mussolini’s promise to Mr Chamberlain to withdraw | from Spain after General Franco’s ! victory. It is regarded as significant in Paris that General Gamelin. Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and Vice-Admiral Darlan. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, have postponed their tour of France’s North African defences to remain in Paris in order to watch the Spanish situation. The French General Staff has presented the Prime Minister, M. Daladier. with a plan for the seizure of Minorca and Spanish Morocco if Signor Mussolini does not quit Spain immediately the war ends. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Express” points out that positions on the Spanish mainland, such as Cartajgena and Alicante, could also be occu-

pied. Minorca could be taken over without trouble as the Government would certainly rather hand over to j France than General Franco. The Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, is expected to-night to define France’s attitude during a reply in the foreign affairs debate. M. Blum following M. Bonnet as the spearhead of the Opposition's attempt to force the opening of the Cpanish frontier. M. Daladier will reply for the Government. It is understood that the theme of his speech will be “no adventures. no abandonments.” It is expected that a confidence vote will be taken on 26th January.