GENERAL FRANCO'S PLANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22887, 16 November 1937, Page 8

GENERAL FRANCO'S PLANS

As supplied by General Franco's official spokesman, details of the Nationalists' policy shed a milder light over their plans for Spain. Expecting victory, possibly as an outcome of the British proposals to insulate the war, they are contemplating a regime that will doubtless be military at first; the suggested enthroning of ex-King Alfonso's youngest son will not, it seems, confer upon him any real power, nor will there be a Parliament. Thus General Franco will be, at least for a while, a dictator, if this forecast be realised. With this development foreign Powers need not be much concerned. What does affect them immediately is the prospect of a Spain endeavouring to regain a condition of law and order, in which a peaceable attitude to other Powers will be maintained. Particularly will the promises made by General Franco appeal to Britain and France, with whom lie desires to be on friendly terms: no engaging in efforts to menace their Mediterranean interests, no adherence to the Fascist pact against Communism, no joining of a bloc or axis. This turn in events, although only in undertakings, creates wonder as to the motives for so downright a change. There can be no doubt of General Franco's determination to proceed with his opposition to the policy of the Government that still claims authority and is bent on exercising it. To stamp out Communism in Spain remains a fixed purpose, one not to be achieved without much striving. With greater hope of Spain's entry again upon international duty, whatever be the outcome of the struggle, the nations working for peace can possess their souls in patience. Should General franco's words of goodwill lie expressed in deeds, the possibility of better things for Spain and Europe may ere long be realised—always supposing that the ousted Government does not,- in turn, become vigorously insurgent. Spain is an uncertain term among the factors with which Europe must continually detail,