MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC?

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1931, Page 7

MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC?

FATE OF SPAIN IN BALANCE

NEW PARLIAMENT TO DECIDE

PREMIER A MONARCHIST

OFFER TO REPUBLICANS

By Telegraph—Press Aiiri.—Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Madrid, Feb. 16.

King Alfonso has invited Senor Don Jcse Sanches-Guerra, the leader of the Monarchial Conservatives, to form a Cabinet. Alfonso remains nominally King of Spain until the elections are held and Parliament votes on the issue of a Monarchy versus a Republic. Senor Sanchez Guerra, the new Premier, was involved in the Valencia revolt two years ago. He was imprisoned aboard a destroyer last year. He made a famous speech in Madrid in which he stated that allhough he remained a monarchist he had lost faith in King Alfonso. One of Senor Guerra’s first steps was to write to the Republican Socialist elements asking them to accept three special portfolios in his Ministry. This action has been received with alarm in Right Monarchist" circles, who feel it is equivalent to letting the king’s foes into the stronghold of the Monarchy without striking a blow. While Senor Guerra is consulting politicians King Alfonso is kneeling in prayer at his mother’s tomb.

Immediately after leaving the Palace Senor Guerra went to the prison and interviewed the Republican leaders there. They declared they could not join the Cabinet but would not provide any obstacles in the way of a settlement provided the Government pursued a policy in accordance with their'views.