SPANISH REVOLT

Southland Times, Issue 21273, 19 December 1930, Page 5

SPANISH REVOLT

REVIEW OF SITUATION

MILITARY SIDE LACKS CONVICTION STRIKE CONDUCTED CALMLY (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.45 p.m.) London, December 17. The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Mail understands that Portugal refused to hand over Major Franco, but promised to keep him and his companions under surveillance and expel them to England or Holland. The Madrid correspondent of The Times, reviewing the situation, says that obviously the military side of the movement lacks conviction. The senior officers are trustworthy, but the juniors are largely Republican, while the rank and file are divided. Conscripts are as reliable qs conscripts anywhere, but there is a class of soldier who pay the Government for the choice of where they are to be stationed, thus creating a privileged and influential yeomanry interested in politics, many of whom are Republicans. The strike is now in full swing, but is conducted calmly ami in good humour. Transport workers are not involved. Reservists are staffing the railways. King Alfonso inspected artillery and engineers at Carabanchel camp and extolled their soldierly discipline. The bank of Spain has opened a national subscription for a testimonial for the Civic Guard. The Minister of the Interior, General Margo, admitted that the agitation affected 23 of 50 provinces, while there were general strikes in the principal towns in 10 provinces. These were purely political, he said. The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Express quotes King Alfpnso as follows: "If the people want a republic they must fight, for it. I shall not go until I am forced to go.’’ The correspondent adds that the revolution is definitely over for the time being. The Government won because the army at the eleventh hour stood by the King. All Republican leaders are now in flight or in prison.