NATIONALIST REGIME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 13

NATIONALIST REGIME

QUESTION OF RECOGNITION BRUTISH LABOUR ANXIETY DEMAND FOR A DEBATE British "Wireless LONDON, Feb. 14 The question of the recognition of General Franco's Government in Spain was again raised in the House of Commons to-day. The Leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, asked the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, by private notice, "whether, in view of the important issues involved, any decision, conditional or otherwise, to recognise the Spanish insurgent authorities as the de facto or de jure Government of Spain will be communicated to the House before any action is taken thereon, with the view to an early debate?'' Mr. Chamberlain replied: "The Government will naturally communicate to the House an the earliest possible moment any decision at which it may arrive. I cannot give an assurance that it would be possible for the Government to delay taking any action which may seem to it to be proper, but it is always within the power of the House to express its opinion on the Government's policy. Should the Government reach any new decision I shall naturally be ready to afford facilities for a debate." The National Council of Labour, at a meeting in the House of Commons, expressed grave dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's answer. It again stated its opposition to the recognition of General Franco, and adjourned until to-morrow in anticipation of the Government's decision being then known.

SENSELESS STRUGGLE TIME TO END THE WAR OPINION OF THE TIMES Times Cable LONDON, Feb. 14 Referring to the discussion to he held by the Cabinet to-morrow regarding recognition of General Franco's regime, the Times says it hopes the decision will be based on facts. It adds: "Recognition should be accorded whenever General Franco's authority is deemed to be sufficient. He does not possess Madrid, but this need not be a condition of recognition because otherwise desiperate resistance by General Miaja might be encouraged.

"General Franco's policy is Spain for the Spaniards. It is important to appoint to Spain at the appropriate time a British Ambassador of the highest character in order to ensure worthy representation in the era of reconstruction.

"It is useless to cry 'Arms for Spain!' when heaps of arms have been abandoned. Cessation of bloodshed is the paramount need; the war has become senseless. It is time to close the chapter of heroism and crime and begin rebuilding. The only visible master builder is General Franco."

FRANCE UNDECIDED SWISS RECOGNITION LONDON, Feb. 14 The French Cabinet is still undecided about the question of the recognition of General Franco's Government, says a message from Paris. M. Berard is going to Spain to continue _ his mission, which, it is understood, is to negotiate for recognition on the basis of the repatriation, of volunteers and the integrity of Spanish territory. _ The Swiss Government has decided to recognise General Franco s Government, states a despatch from Berne.