PROGRESS DELAYED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26933, 19 November 1948, Page 5

PROGRESS DELAYED

UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN SPAIN AND U.S. FRANCO BLAMES BRITAIN N.Z.P.A.—Copyright NEW YORK, Nov. 17 If Britain had not interfered there would have been a Spanish-American understanding “ a long time ago,” General Franco declares in an interview published here to-day. General Franco says that Britain is acting in this manner in order to salvage her prestige. The interview was obtained in Madrid by the diplomatic correspondent of the magazine Newsweek.

When asked to comment on suggestions that the United States should try to enlist Spain as a military ally, General Franco replied: “Spam can only make international agreements which are in accord with public opinion. Since the war ended Spain has been very badly treated by the Western Powers. Our people have been deliberately insulted and our pride has been hurt. . , , «Nevertheless,” he said, “ 1 believe that an understanding between our two countries is possible. In fact, had it not been for the British, we would have had it a long time ago. Ihe British always interfere in SpanishAmerican relations Whenever the United States attempts to make a sympathetic gesture to Spain, the British immediately step in, and say their public opinion would not stand for it. Conversely, when we have difficulties with the United States the British come along and offer to act as brokers and mediators. I think I understand why they are acting that way In the past the British had a leading position in the world To-day they are now anxious to salvage whatever prestige they can”, Asked whether Spain would prefer to negotiate direct with the United States rather than through the Western Union, General Franco replied: “Yes certainly. Besides, what is there in the Western Union except England?”/ „ „ .. General Franco confirmed as quite true - reports that the French General Staff had asked Spanish generals about a Y€ ar ago whether, in the event of war, - the French army could cross Spain en route to North Africa He had told the Spanish pfficers to tell the French that all their women and children could freely pass through Spain, but that soldiers would have to remain in France and defend her national territory.