The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1937. THE NEXT PHASE IN SPAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 257, 29 October 1937, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1937. THE NEXT PHASE IN SPAIN

"pilK concentration of the Government departments at Barcelona instead of at Valencia is a step which is natural under the circumstances which now obtain in Spain.

Having cleared the north-western coast of the last remnants of the Government forces, it is natural that the insurgents should seek either two objectives: One, the capture of Madrid, because of its central position and the prestige which would go to General Franco by holding the capital; and two, to extend the fighting line along the Pyrenees frontier so as to isolate the province of Catalonia from France in order to nullify France’s threatened action of opening that land frontier. Of the two, the taking of the capital appears to be the less formidable task, but the sealing of the land frontier offers the greater measure of advantage. If the frontier can be taken possession of by General Franco’s troops, then the situation would be much more favourable to him were the non-intervention proposals to fructify, than if he took Madrid. Recent reports are to the effect that the attack in the Aragon province has been carried out by Italian soldiers and Moors, while the aviators who were brought clown after attacking Barcelona were also proved to be Italians by the documents found on them. There is therefore clear evidence that Italy desires to make the issue conclusive prior to any intervention pact being implemented. On the other hand, it must be remembered that Italy is not in a position to sustain a long campaign in Spain, otherwise she would not be now imposing a capital levy. It is imperative, then, that Italy shall either gather the fruits of victory speedily or withdraw from the contest with a good face. In the absence of victory the conforming to a non-intervention pact including the withdrawal of all foreigners from Spain, and the granting of belligerent rights to both parties in the civil war, would be as good a face-saver as could be contrived in the circumstances. Should, however, the granting of belligerent rights come after General Franco has attained to complete control over the frontier, then Italy would have the advantage of seeing their man win and at the same time enjoy the credit of having conformed to an international non-intervention agreement.