SPANISH POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 180, 2 August 1940, Page 6

SPANISH POLICY

GIBRALTAR ISSUE NO FRESH DEPARTURE | British Official Wireless. J Received Aug. 1, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, July 31. Questioned in the House of Commons on reported remarks by the Spanish Prime Minister, General Franco, regarding Gibraltar, the Lord Privy Seal, Mr. Attlee, said: “There have, I think, been some misconceptions regarding General Franco’s statement on this occasion. After a historical reference to the greatness of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella, he went on to refer to the political testaments of Isabella, including what he termed the ‘bequest of Gibraltar’ and a vision of Africa in political unity, and said that these were questions which, after four centuries still endured as eternal obligations. “Due note has been taken of the statement, and Britain does not regard it as involving a fresh departure in Spanish policy. Accordingly no special action is called for.”

It was reported from Madrid on July 18 that General Franco, for the first time endorsing the agitation for the return of Gibraltar, recalled that the mission of Spaniards imposed by the Catholic kinds was to hold Gibraltar and to expand the Spanish rule in Africa. He told his service chiefs that there were 2,000,000 ready to support the rights of Spain.