BIG FRENCH DEAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23280, 24 February 1939, Page 9

BIG FRENCH DEAL

EQUIPMENT FOR WAR RETREATING SPANIARDS TRANSPORT AND MATERIAL PURCHASE NEGOTIATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 23, 7.5 p.m.) Times Cablo LONDON. Feb. 23 The French Government iB completing a big deal with the Spanish Republican Government in connection with the retreat of the Catalonian army, says the Perpignan correspondent of the Times. It is buying thousands of horses, mules and donkeys and an immense amount of war material, including motor-cars, lorries. ambulances, aeroplanes and guns worth, at a conservative estimate, several millions of pounds. The transaction will bo legal if it is concluded before the recognition of General Franco's regime, FRANCO'S REGIME DE JURE RECOGNITION MORE STATES AGREE LONDON, Feb. 22 The members of tlhe Balkan Entente have agreed to recognise General Franco's regime de jure. An announcement issued at the conclusion of the conference stated that there was complete harmony of views. The conference reaffirmed mutual respect for frontiers. It is understood that Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland have agreed simultaneously to recognise the Franco Government.

A message from St. Jean de Luz states that M. Berard, French representative with the Nationalists, stated that the de jure recognition of General Franco's regime was a matter for unilateral action by France, for which it was not necessary to negotiate or impose conditions. However, problems arising from this step must be settled first. The principal object of his mission was to clear up misunderstandings. ITALIAN ALLY EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES FRANCO'S GRATITUDE ROME, Feb. 22 In a telegram to General Franco, Signor Mussolini stated: "I again confirm that Italian legionaries will obey your orders until the final victory." General Franco replied: "I am very grateful for the Italian help in the conquest of Catalonia." BRITONS RELEASED CONSULAR BAG CASE British Wirelesn LONDON, Feb. 22 The British Agent at Burgos, Mr. C. D. Jerram, has been officially informed that Mr. E. Golding, pro-consul at San Sebastian, and Mrs. Golding have been provisionally set at liberty. Mr. and Mrs. Golding were arrested in • connection with the discovery of incriminating papers in a British Consular bag at the beginning of the year. i MARRIAGES ANNULLED Independent Cable Service BARCELONA, Feb. 22 The ecclesiastical authorities in Barcelona announce the annulment of all "Red war marriages," but they are granting dispensation to all persons married since July 19, 1936, who desire to legalise their position.