SPAIN'S RULER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23284, 1 March 1939, Page 11

SPAIN'S RULER

BRITISH DECISION REGIME OF FRANCO TERRITORY CONTROLLED OPPONENTS SCATTERED ISSUE NOT IN DOUBT By Telegraph—Piess Association—Copyright LONDON, Feb. 27 It- was announced in the House of Commons to-day by the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, that the British Cabinet had decided unconditionally to recognise the regime of General Franco in Spain. Mr. Chamberlain said that as a result of the fall of Barcelona and the over-running of Catalonia, General Franco is now in control of the greater part of Spanish territory, both on and beyond the mainland.. Included in this territory were most of the important industrial centres in Spain, and the sources of most of her production. Even if the Republican forces in the southern sector should continue to maintain some show of resistance, there could be no doubt now of the ultimate issue of the struggle, the prolongation of which could only result in further stirring and' loss of life. Moreover, it seemed to Britain to be impossible to regard the Republican Government, scattered as it was and no longer exercising settled authority, as the sovereign Government of Spain. In these circumstances Britain had decided to inform General Franco of its decision to recognise his Government as the Government of Spain, and formal action had been taken in this sense that day. The British Government noted with satisfaction the public statements made by General Franco concerning the determination of himself and his Government to secure the traditional independence of Spain, and to take proceedings only in cases of those against whom criminal charges were laid. In reply' to questions by members of the Opposition, Mr. Chamberlain said the Cabinet had decided to leave in the hands of the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, and himself the final decision as to whether recognition should be granted, and if so when, and the final decision was reached at the week-end.

LABOUR RESENTMENT ATTACKS ON PREMIER HEATED WORDS IN COMMONS CENSURE " MOTION " TABLED LONDON, Feb. 27 The announcement by Mr. Chamberlain of Britain's recognition of General Franco's Government was greeted by the Opposition with cat-calls and cries of "Shame!" The Prime Minister intimated that the House could debate the question to-morrow. The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. C. R. Attlee, reminded Mr. Chamberlain that last Thursday he had said he was not in a position to make a statement. Mr. Chamberlain: It was left to me and to Viscount Halifax. We came to our decision at the week-end. There was some heat in further exchanges, and Mr. Chamberlain said: "I refuse to be cross-examined as to details of hours and moments without notice."

Mr. W. Gallacher (Communist —West Fife): The Prime Minister should be impeached. Mr. Attlee: The Prime Minister misled the House last week and got away without a debate. In future I will have questions asked in another place where we can obtain a proper answer. The Labour Party has tabled a censure motion for discussion to-morrow stating: "That in the opinion of the House the decision of the Government to grant unconditional recognition to the Spanish insurgent force, which is dependent upon foreign intervention, constitutes a deliberate affront to the legitimate Government of a friendly Power; is a gross breach of international traditions; marks a further stage in a policy which is steadily destroying th":» confidence of all democratic countries in the good faith of Britain." AMERICAN ATTITUDE CONSIDERING SITUATION ULTIMATE RECOGNITION (Received February 28, 11.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, said he was considering the question of recognising General Franco, and had also communicated the Brifclsh and French action to President Roosevelt, who is at sea with the Fleet. The impression is prevalent in diplomatic circles that the United States ■will eventually recognise Franco, but the timing of the final decision will 4 e pcnd on Mr. Roosevelt. aid for refugees MOSCOW VOTES £27,000 (Received February 28, C.5 p.m.) MOSCOW, Feb. 27 The Soviet Government has appropriated a sum of £27,000 for the relief Spanish refugees. fascists arrested ACTION BY CZECHS (Received February 28. 5.5 p.m.) PRAGUE, Feb. 27 Nineteen Fascists were arrested in rague to-day, including the antiaemitio leader Georg Thun.