FRANCO'S DEMANDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23166, 12 October 1938, Page 15

FRANCO'S DEMANDS

BELLIGERENT EIGHTS SURRENDER OF LOYALIBT6 ITALIANS IN SPAIN WITHDRAWAL IN HAND By Telegraph— Association—Copyright (Received October 11, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 11 Claiming that with the repatriation of 10,000 Italian volunteers there is no reason for denying Nationalist Spain belligerent rights, General [Franco, in an interview, says a message from Burgos, said it was a tremendous injustice that these rights had not been recognised in the two years of the war._ In spite of the unique circumstance, 11 nations, including two of the greatest, had given the Nationalist Government de jure recognition, and 10 others de facto recognition, while official relations were maintained with 14 others. Nationalist Spain had more than fulfilled all the requirements historically sanctioned by international law. "Just Another Tarce"

Discussing the question of volunteers on the side of the Republicans, General Franco described the announcement of their evacuation as just another farce presented to the world. There remained approximately 60,000, although 6000 had fallen and many had fled from the Red inferno. As regards-mediation, General Franco said: "There cannot be any other end to the war than the unconditional surrender of the Republicans." He claimed that the national revolution was carrying out the just aspirations of the lower and middle classes and saving their menaced civilisation. Gesture not Sufficient Official circles in London, says the Australian Associated Press, are pleased at Italy's intended withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Spain. However, it is understood that a more substantial gesture will be necessary before the pact with Britain can be implemented. Further withdrawals are expected to be made by stages. v Latest reports from official observers in Spain estimate that the Italian troops there total 30,000. The Nationalist Press Bureau states that the Italians are leaving infantry stores, guns and aeroplanes, says a telegram from Hendaye. Technicians are remaining temporarily to hand over material 1 to Nationalist Spain. Republicans Take Action

Following the Ebro withdrawals the Havas news agency's representative at Valencia reports that all foreigners with the loyalist army in the central zone have been ordered to leave.

The Republican high command has ordered the demobilisation of all foreign volunteers in the central *one, namely, all areas outside Catalonia, says a message from Madrid. It is estimated there are 2500.