CIVIL WAR IN SPAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 189, 12 August 1938, Page 7

CIVIL WAR IN SPAIN

WITHDRAWAL OF VOLUNTEERS GENERAL FRANCO WILL NOT COMPLY DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES CONCERNED. (By Telegraph—Prcse Association —Copyright) Received Aug. 11, 6.26 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 10. British and French diplomatic circles continue to be concerned over General Franco’s non-acceptance of the British plan for withdrawal of volunteers from Spain. Sir Noel Charles, British Charge d'Affaires at Rome, interviewed Count Ciano and draw attention to reports that Italy was still actively aiding General Franco with reinforcements of munitions. Sir Noel Chari’s expressed no opinion regarding tne accuracy of the reports, but pointed out that they were bound to create difficulties for M. Daladier, who might feel compelled to reopen the Pyrenean frontier. It is understood that Count Ciano replied that he had not heard of the allegations, but would inquire into them. In the meantime, Senor del Vayo (Foreign Minister) in an interview with British and French envoys at Barcelona, stressed that the Spanish Government’s difficulties through acceptance of the British plan. They are still at a disadvantage at sea while faced with a closed French frontier. General Franco's representatives at Burgos explain that he is exceptionally busy with military operations. Many points of the plan require his personal consideration. The Daily Telegraph’s Bayonne correspondent says France is understood to have warned General Franco that Ihe frontier may be reopened unless the French Vice-Consul at Irun. who has been detained by the Nationalists for months without a charge being laid, is released forthwith. OFFENSIVES BY BOTH SIDES BARCELONA, Aug. 10. The surprise offensive by the loyalists on the Catalan front across the River Segre successfully cut into the rebel territory in the vicinity of the Balaguer power stations. Simultaneously the rebels began an offensive on the south-west Estremadura front. A Salamanca communique claims that the rebels beat back the Republicans eight miles and 200 were killed.