PLANNING PEACE IN SPAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21279, 24 February 1939, Page 7

PLANNING PEACE IN SPAIN

Wide Recognition of Nationalists Il Duce’s Message to General Franco Strong Support Until the End Big Deals In War Materials United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copvrlshf (Received February 24, 1.30 a.m.) BARCELONA, February 23. General Franco, in an interview with an Italian News Agency yesterday, said: "Of all Spaniards, I am most desirous of ending the war, but I will accept nothing but unconditional surrender.” “ GRATEFUL FOR HELP ” GENERAL FRANCO’S MESSAGE TO ITALY United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright ROME, February 22. Exchanging telegrams with General Franco, Signor Mussolini said: “I again confirm that the Italian legionaries are at your orders until the final victory.” General Franco replied: “Very grateful for Italian help in the conquest of Catalonia.” RECOGNITION OF NATIONALIST SPAIN DECISION OF BALKAN ENTENTE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright BUCHAREST, February 22. The members of the Balkan Entente have agreed to recognise General Franco de jure. A communique issued at the conclusion of a conference of Balkan Entente members stated that there was complete harmony of views and re-affirm-ed the mutual respect of frontiers. DECISION OF SMALL POWERS SIMULTANEOUS RECOGNITION United Press Association—By Eleetrte Telegraph —Copyright HELSINKI, February 22. Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland have agreed simultaneously to recognise General Franco. PURCHASE OF LOYALIST WAR MATERIAL REPORTS OF FRENCH DEALS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 23, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. The Pergignan correspondent of “The Times” says: The French Government is completing a big deal with the Spanish Government in connection with the retreat of the Catalcnlan army, and is buying thousands of horses, mules, donkeys, and an immense amount of war mater'al, including motor-cars, lorries, ambulances, aeroplanes and guns, conservatively valued at several millions sterling, The transaction is legal, if concluded before recognition is accorded General Franco. ATTITUDE TO RED MARRIAGES ANNULMENT ANNOUNCED United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright B ARCELONA, February 22. •The ecclesiastical authorities have announced the annulment of all “Red war marriages,” but grant a dispensation to all those who were married since, July 19, 1936 who desire to legalise their position.