AXIS-SPANISH TALKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 12 February 1941, Page 5

AXIS-SPANISH TALKS

JOURNEY BY FRANCO WILL MEET PETAIN [U.P.A.-By Electric Telegraph-Copyright] (Received 12th February, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Uth February. A message just received from the correspondent of the news agency at Vichy says it is confirmed that General Franco and. Senor Suner, the Spanish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, will pass through France to-day. It is believed that they will confer with Signor Mussolini and perhaps Herr Hitler. On their return journey they will meet Marshal Petain. Marshal Petain left Vichy for the Riviera this morning. Admiral Darlan yesterday took over the office of Foreign Minister from M. Flandin, and was nominated vice-Pre-mier as well as retaining his post as Minister of the Navy. Reports from Vichy says that indications are that further Cabinet changes will not take place before the middle of this week, and that Admiral Darlan may take over a number of other Ministries.

There is still no hint of M. Laval’s intentions since he refused an offer by Marshal Petain to enter the Cabinet. The Toulouse radio said that M. Flandin resigned because of a personal campaign against him. A Paris Press announcer added: “A difficult situation has arisen in our relations with the occupying Power. While, under the Flandin policy, collaboration is being continued in technical matters, the German authorities still maintain their opposition in the political field.” TO MEET MUSSOLINI (British Official Wireless) (Received 12th February, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, 11th February. According to reliable reports reaching London General Franco and Senor Suner left Madrid for France §n route to Italy where it is stated they will meet Mussolini. It is also reported that it is possible that they may have the opportunity of talking with Marshal Petain who left Vichy for Villeneuve Loubet near Cannes for a few days’ rest.