CRISIS PASSING

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 5

CRISIS PASSING

NEW CABINET FOR SPAIN CONSTITUTION TO BE REVISED MONARCHIST SETTLEMENT SENOR GUERRA’S FAILURE “DO NOT TRUST THE KING” By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. B«. 7.5'p.m. London, Feb. 18. Fortified with supplies of food in readiness for a nightlong, sitting at Madrid, the Monarchist leaders, including General Berenguer (presiding), the Duke of Maura, Count Romanones, Senors Garcia, Prieto and La Cierva assembled early last evening at the War Ministry. After a sitting lasting five hours, General Berenguer being unwell Senor Don Julio Wais as senior Minister went to the Palace to report to King Alfbnso. Senor Prieto stated all present had decided ’to place themselves at the disposal of the King; no Government was formed but the members of the conference offered their services should his Majesty care to accept them. Count Romanones said that not all the members of the conference would be members of the new Cabinet. He could only say that to-morrow there, Would be a new Government. “We shall call a constituent Assembly an'd meet again At the War Ministry to settie matters."

It is thought probable that General Berenguer will be Prime Minister and .it is expected that Count. Romanones will be a member of the Cabinet. It had been intended to give the Premiership to Senor La Cierva but that plah was abandoned because it was understood the workers would have called a general strike, orders for which, it was believed, had already been givefi. A late message says the revolutionary committee has adjourned the strike. , . . ... It is believed the end of the crisis is m sight. It io Stated that a list of the new Cabinet is ready for presentation to Kmg Alfonso. Count Romanones told the British United PrcsS special correspondent that it was practically certain a Cabinet would be sworn in later to-day. It is said the members of the conference decided to call a constituent Assembly to revise the constitution without limiting the powers of King Alfonso as. stringently as previously proposed. Admiral Azaar will probably be Prime Minister if General Bdrenguer is unwilling or is not chosen. After visiting King Alfonso yesterday Senor Guerra announced that he had declined to form a Government and advised the King to summon Senor Alverez, leader of the Reformists. Senor Guerra’s failure to form a Cabinet created a profound sensation; being interpreted as meaning that the King refused to accept the Constit--tionalists’ conditions that he should surrender all initiative in governmental matters And should not interfere in the selection of Ministers or issue ordinances pending the decision of the constituent assembly. _ , The newspaper El Debate criticises Senor Guerra’s visit to the gaol in order to secure delinquents’ co-operation, and declares ihat he should be sent to an asylum. The Republicans’ refusal to jom hie Cabinet is explained by the statement: “We don’t trust the King.’’ Professor Gallardo, Dean of the College of Lawyers, similarly declined, saying: “It is time enough to listen to the'proposals When the King abdicates.” , , REGIMENT RISES NEAR MADRID. DRASTIC PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. Rec. 7.5 p.m. London, Feb. fS. An Artillery regiment rose yesterday at Jetafe, near Madrid, states the Manchester Guardian’s Bordeaux correspondent. The mutineers placed guhs and shells on the road to the capital, the guns pointing at the Palace. The revolutionaries, making 3 commdn cause -with, the inhabitants of the lower quarters of Madrid, blocked the roads to Jetafe. The authorities are taking drastic precautions ahd placing civil guards at strategic points lest the movement spread to other garrisons. Jetafe itsilf Appears calm. Direct confusion, reigned from dawn to dusk in Madrid. Rumours were circulated that cavalry and artillery regiments in virioua towns had declared their willingness to support the King against any enemies he cared to name. Such an, announcement elsewhere 1 would be a mere declaration of loyalty, but in Spain it has a decided political significance. It is reported that constitutional guarantees have been suspended throughout Spain. This is tantamount to martial law. KING AND QUEEN CHEERED. WILD EXCITEMENT AT STATION. Rec. 10 p.m. ; Madrid, Feb. 18. King Alfonso sprang another surprise by meeting Queen Ena at the station.' About 500 people, mostly highly placed, awaited the Queen on the platform. The King’s arrival in morning dress, accompanied by his two daughters and his son Prince Jaime, WAS entirely unexpected and created wild Excitement. King Alfonso smiled and waved his silk hat to the crowd. When he saw Quen Ena, who was on the verge of teats, he took her in his arms and hugged and kissed her. By strange contrast there was not more than 20 persons in the station courtyard but as the Royal. party drove unescorted through the streets to the Palace thousands of people cheered their Majesties, who out on the balcony and acknowledged the continued applause.