ITALIAN AIMS IN SPAIN

Southland Times, Issue 23736, 7 February 1939, Page 7

ITALIAN AIMS IN SPAIN

Peace May Not End European Tension MEETING OF FASCIST GRAND COUNCIL (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received February 6, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 6. The Daily Telegraph says that a statement by the Fascist Grand Council, issued after its meeting in Rome yesterday, that the Italian troops will not leave Spain until General Franco has won, is a reminder that the end of the civil war will not necessarily end European tension. “On the contrary, it will revive the doubts and fears which have been perplexing European capitals since the war began,” says The Daily Telegraph. Signor Mussolini’s speech at the meeting of the Fascist Grand Council, which met from 9 p.m. until after midnight, was not made public. An official statement, however, after declaring that the council had approved two resolutions, said:

“Il Duce gave a resume of the general international situation, which the Fascist Grand Council repeatedly applauded. Signor Mussolini has summoned a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council for 9 a.m. tomorrow, when he will review the situation in Spain and Italy’s preparedness for any eventualities arising from the strained relationships with France.” The resolutions which the council approved were:

(1) An expression of profound satisfaction with Herr Hitler’s speech. (2) Meeting on the day of the fall of Gerona, the Fascist Council sends ardent greetings to the heroic combatants in Spain and proclaims that the volunteer forces of fascism will not abandon the struggle until it ends triumphantly with General Franco’s

victory. .' The council will meet again on Friday, when it is expected that the conquest of Catalonia will be complete and that Italian troops will be on the Pyrennean frontier.

Reports are current that Signbr Mussolini emphasized that the fall, of Barcelona and Gerona would signify a victory for General Franco, enabling Italy “to realize her aspirations.” Dr Virginio Gayda (“the mouthpiece of Mussolini”) in his newspaper Giornale d’ltalia declares: “The whole ,of the meeting was dedicated fo foreign affairs. The world expected a speech from II Duce which would have closed the cycle opened by Mr Chamberlain and Herr Hitler, but II Duce’s speech was not given out to indiscreet commentators.”

LEAFLETS DROPPED OVER MINORCA ITALY’S NEXT OBJECTIVE? (Received February 6, 10.50 p m.) LONDON, February 6. The Rome correspondent of The Times says there are signs that Minorca is the next objective in the Spanish venture. The majority of the Italian air force based at Majorca flew over Minorca on Saturday, dropping leaflets calling on the population to surrender. General Franco has withdrawn the Italian Littorio Division from the frontier section of Catalonia to ally French anxiety. CANADIANS GLAD TO BE HOME HINTS OF TREACHERY AT . BARCELONA (Received February 6, 6.30 p.m.) HALIFAX, February 5. Almost penniless, ill-clothed and wholly glad to be back, 300 Canadians who fought with the loyalists arrived from Spain today. Several hinted at treachery in the loyalist retreat, from Barcelona, where the Canadians, who were awaiting repatriation, barely escaped being trapped and taken prisoner. They fled from Barcelona during the night with whatever clothing could be grabbed. 85 LOYALIST AIRCRAFT IN FRANCE (Received February 6, 11.15 p.m.) PARIS, February 6. Eighty-five loyalist aeroplanes have landed safely in France.