VISIT TO SPAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 5

VISIT TO SPAIN

ITALIAN WARSHIPS MANOEUVRES PLANNED LONDON, July 6. Two Italian naval squadrons have arrived in Spanish and Portuguese Waters, commencing a summer of intense naval activity. Three squadrons will later take part in largescale manoeuvres in the Mediterranean. in which the Air Force will co-operate. Italian newspapers declare that the manoeuvres will show Spain the strength of Italy’s fleet. General Aranda, who headed the Spanish delegation to Berlin, has returned to Madrid, -says the Hendaye correspondent of The Times, and has stated that arrangements have been completed for the exchange of technicians and military leaders between Italy, Germany and Spain. “The delegation has been very impressed by Germany’s might, and is confident that mutual benefits will result from the co-operation," General Aranda added

The Times comments that the statement implies that Spain is committed to .Germany more deeply than has hitherto been admitted, tout it is still too early to predict the future Spanish foreign policy.

Germany, it adds, is undoubtedly attempting completely to dominate Spain, but powerful Spanish interests oppose -too close co-operation with the totalitarian Powers.

The Lisbon correspondent of The Times says that Portugal is nervously awaiting Spain’s decision in connection with its foreign policy. Newspapers politely stress -the benefits, that have resulted from the traditional policy ol' neutrality.