VICTORY MARCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23352, 22 May 1939, Page 9

VICTORY MARCH

TROOPS IN MADRID ITALIANS PROMINENT FIRST HOUR MONOPOLISED GERMAN LEGION PASSES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 21, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 20 The Italians stole the limelight in the Victory Parade, monopolising the first hour of the march past, after which the first of all the Spanish units reached the saluting base, says a message from Madrid. General Saliquet rode at the head of a vast column, preceded by motor-cyclists, but on his heels were 10,000 Italians, headed by General Gambara.

An outburst of cheering greeted the first of the Spanish detachment, carrying an enormous portrait of General Franco. Seven Spanish aircraft batteries followed, and then & further host of Italians, all singing and lionising II Duce. The Spanish naval and military units streamed past before the singing Italians were out of earshot. Rain and Mud Mar the Parad# Those on the dais included all the members of the • Cabinet and high military dignitaries, with whom were Marshal Petain, French Ambassador, the Papal Nuncio, and the Moroccan Grand Vizier. The Moorish troops passed shouting slogans. Aeroplanes swooped overhead in formation, sketching the word "Franco." Two hours later a German legion passed, led by Baron von Richthofen, who joined General Franco at the saluting base. Rain fell throughout the parade. The road was a sea of mud by the time the German tanks and artillery had passed. General Franco stood at the salute for five hours. Herr Hitler telegraphed to General Franco: "The thoughts of myself and the German people are with you. May the Spanish troops enjoy a -long period of peaceful reconstruction under your powerful leadership." Franco on Pacification of Europe General Franco, in a broadcast speech, said he intended to collaborate in the pacification of Europe, but he warned "certain nations" against the adoption of economic encirclement. There must be no attempt to lessen Spain's sovereignty or her economic and political liberties, for which she went to war. A message from. Lisbon says that the President of Portugal, General Antonio Carmona, has conferred on - General Franco the cordon of the Grand Cross of the Tower and Spade, the highest Portuguese military honour. - Repatriation ot Foreign Troops German troops will leave Spain for home within a few days. The, Gibraltar correspondent of the Times says it is officially announced that all the Italian legionaries who participated in the Victory March will embark for Italy from Cadiz next week. A message from Naples states that 1000 Italian legionaries landed there from Spain to-day. TIIO trendies at La Linea have been filled in.