ASSURANCES TO BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 January 1939, Page 7

ASSURANCES TO BRITAIN

1 RESTRAINT IN OCCUPIED TERRORITORIES STEPS TO MAINTAIN ORDER [U.P.A. —By Electric Telegraph—Copy right 1 (Received 26th January, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, 25th January. The British Government issued a statement that Admiral Jerram, British representatives, informed Burgos that Britain earnestly hoped that General Franco would exercise restraint in the occupied territories and refrain from acts of revenge, which would create the worst possible impression in Britain and elsewhere. The authorities assured Admiral Jen-am that such acts were completely out of keeping with General Franco’s character and intentions. Mr Ralph Stevenson, British Charge d'Affaires in Barcelona, raised with the Republican Government the question of the maintenance of order in , the event of the withdrawal of forces from Barcelona, and especially the position of political prisoners. He received assurances that all possible steps would be taken to maintain order and secure the lives of prisoners, who are believed to number 2000. The cruiser Devonshire is standing by at Barcelona to evacuate members of the British Consulate if necessary. H.M.S. Devonshire has been joined by American and French warships.