GUERRA DECLINES ALFONSO'S OFFER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1931, Page 1

GUERRA DECLINES ALFONSO'S OFFER.

WILL NOT FORM NEW GOVERNMENT FOR SPAIN.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received February 18, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, February 17.

A report from Madrid states: After visiting King Alfonso, Senor Guerra announced that he declined to form a Government, and advised the King to summon Senor Alvarez, leader of the Reformists. Queen Ena of Spain, who made a hurried visit to England a fortnight ago when the health of her mother, the Princess Beatrice, was causing anxiety, left London on February 16 on her return to Spain. The King and the . Queen were at Victoria Station to bid farewell to Oueen Ena, who for some minutes remained in close conversation with their Majesties. As the train moved off, Queen Ena waved farewell to the large crowd which gave her Majesty a cordial send off.

There was a touching scene on Queen Ena’s departure. The large crowd maintained a sympathetic silence when their Majesties arrived. Queen Mary and Queen Ena stood in close conversation, Queen Ena smiled and Queen Mary patted her on the shoulder. She then kissed the King and Queen and walked towards the train. She turned back and whispered a few words to Queen Mary, laying her arm affectionately on her shoulder.

KING ALFONSO FORCED TO SIGN AWAY RIGHTS.

(Received February 18, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, ” February 17. The Madrid correspondent of “Le Journal ” says that King Alfonso was forced to agree to a decree surrendering all initiative in Governmental matters, and will not interfere in the selection of Ministers, or the issue of ordinances, pending the decision of the Constituent Assembly. It is believed that if the King refused there would be a general strike to-day. There are no demonstrations at present.

WE DON’T TRUST KING,” REPUBLICANS DECLARE.

(Received February 18, 11.30 a.m.) MADRID, February 17.

The Republicans’ refusal to join Senor Guerra’s 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 proposals when the King abdicates.”