PROTEST BY SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24895, 7 June 1946, Page 7

PROTEST BY SPAIN

UNO Committee’s Report “RUSSIA BEHIND DECISION” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 9 p.m.) MADRID, June fl. The Spanish Foreign Minister (Senor Artajo) handed a 3000-word Note to the representatives of United Nations members who maintain diplomatic relations with Spain, strongly protesting against tae report on Spain issued by the United Nations sub-committee. The Note describes the sub-commit-tee s procedure as “anti-cordial” and the report as “charged with passion.” After asserting that the United Nations have no competence or jurisdiction to consider Spain’s affairs, the Note declares that Spain would rather live “amid sacrifices and isolation” than submit to foreign interference in her internal affairs. The Note alleges that Russia was the chief figure behind the sub-commit-tee’s decision. It says: “In denouncing Russia, who so determinedly tries to isolate her, Spain lays bare the mistake of those who are helping Russia’s sinister ambition.”

The Note adds that instead of serving the cause of peace among peoples the United Nations is inciting a new quarrel against a nation which remained neutral during the war. A New York message says that the United Nations Security Council appears to be headed towards another bitter fight, as it is clear that Russia, Britain, and America will refuse to accept the sub-committee’s report on Spain. An authorised Soviet spokesman indicated that Mr Gromyko would strenuously object on two grounds, contending that the Franco regime is a definite menace to peace and security, and that the. Council itself should act instead of referring the matter to the General Assembly. Dr. H. V. Evatt (Australia) 'Will lead the fight for acceptance of the report. Britain and America will probably oppose a specific recommendation for a break with General Franco, contending that there is insufficient evidence for this step.

MONARCHIST MOVE IN SPAIN

DON JUAN DOES NOT FAVOUR REGENCY (Rec. 8 p.m.) MADRID, June 5. Don Juan, Pretender to the Spanish throne, in a letter from Portugal, rejected a suggestion of a Regency which was contained in a letter sent to him by Senor Manuel Falconde, leader of the Spanish Monarchist faction. In his letter Don Juan pointed out that a Regency could establish monarchic institutions before a king entered Spain. Don Juan expressed the hope that when the moment came the nation would recognise his claim. The establishment of a Regency would reopen the dynastic question “which the hand of Providence has eliminated.” Don Juan made his view clear that a king should be the first monarchic institution to be established. The others should be added “with the assistance of a Cortes truly representing the nation.”