VISIT TO SPAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23864, 19 July 1939, Page 12

VISIT TO SPAIN

ITALIAN WARSHIPS BIG MANOEUVRES PLANNEE) DELEGATION TO BERLIN LONDON, July 6. Two Italian naval squadrons have arrived in Spanish and Portuguese waters, commencing a summer of intense naval activity. Three squadrons will later take parf in largescale manoeuvres in the Mediterranean, in which the Air Force will co-operate. Italian newspapers declare that the manoeuvres will show Spain the strength of Italy’s fleet. General Aranda, who headed the Spanish delegation to Berlin, has returned to Madrid, says the Hendaye correspondent of The Times, and has stated that arrangements nave been completed for the exchange of technicians and military leaders between Italy, Germany and Spain. “ The delegation has been very impressed by Germany’s might, and is confident -hat mutual benefits will result from the co-operation." General Aranda added. The Times comments that the statement implies that Spain is committed to Germany more deeply than has hitherto been admitted, but it is still too early to predict the future Spanish foreign policy. Germany, it adds, is undoub.cdly attempting completely to dominate Spain, but powerful Spanish interests oppose too close co-operation with the totalitarian Powers. The Lisbon correspondent of The Times says that Portugal is ner- \ jusly awaiting Spain’s decision in connection with its foreign policy. Newspapers politely stress the benefit that have resulted from the traditional policy of neutrality.