SPAIN'S DILEMMA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 10

SPAIN'S DILEMMA

BRITAIN OR AXIS >"■ j REAL UNITY NEEDED NO WAR ENTHUSIASMLONDON, Nov. /'Many parts of Spain would welcome a major gesture from Britain if it is not too late," says the Lis- " bon correspondent of the Times. "Whatever the consequences, it is difficult to see how General Franco can stand against the German determination to use Spain for Hitler's Mediterranean plans. Offer Should be Generous "The only hope of presenting a formidable front to Hitler is real unity behind the present Madrid Government It is generally accepted that neither Spanish pride nor the economic condition of the country can stand either a passive role under German occupation or active participation in the war, and internal strife is an invitation to the Germans. "Thus Britain's offer should be generous for the present and constructive for the future. " , "Earlier reports indicating GeneralFranco's resistance to Hitler's de- - mands seem to be confirmed. It is'difficult for Hitler to satisfy Spanish claims to Morocco while negotiating with Marshal Petaim Franco -is reported to be obdurate on other points also. Nevertheless, informed . Falangist (Spanish Fascist) circles are more nervous about German intentions to move in. Critical Food Position "Unfortunately, because of the complete press censorship, confidence in a • German victory is widespread in Spain," adds the correspondent. "Like the Italians, the pro-German Spaniards * believe that if Spain .is not allied with the Axis little spoils can be expected. "There are, however, indications of increased anti-German feeling. Reports of anti-German demonstrations in Navarre are well authenticated. There, in spite of the critical food- position, Italians and Germans are buying up stocks.

I'The scarcity of food and the possibility of unrest throughout the country if the Germans enter are still the main factors affecting Spain's thoughts about participation in the - nar. Doubtless, war is against the feel- . ings of a majority of the people andagainst the better judgment of the most enthusiastic Falangists and most of the generals. '"lt is realised that there might be a fatal ruction Avjth the South American republics, where Franco is hoping for closer relationships." POLES IN SCOTLAND MANNING THE COAST WELL-EQUIPPED FORCE LONDON, Nov. 15 The Polish troops who took part in the capture of Narvik have been completely reorganised and re-equipped ami are now manning defences on the oast coast of Scotland. They are wearing": British battle-dress and are armed with 1 British rifles and machine-guns. "... Their commander. General Marian Kukiel, led British, American and Dominion Avar correspondents on a twoday tour of the terrain in, which Poles are iioav placed in much the same way as the British soldiers were placed m northern France last winter, Scottish towns and villages now who to Polish folk songs, while the roads resound to the tramp of feet as General Kukiel's men route march or goose-step ceremoniously. ' " Included in the corps are a number of Polish women who serve in canteens or sing in a theatrical party. They shared the hardships of the soldiers; in the retreat from Poland, following them later to England and even going to . Narvik. Finally they returned to Scotland.

Priests cebcrate mass witli the elaborate ritual of the Greek Orthodox Church before altars improvised. in tents.

If the Germans attempt to invade England they may possibly create a diversion by attacking Scotland fironj Norway or the Baltic in ships, aa the distances rule out the use of barges, which could be used across the narrow English Channel.