Recognition for Franco?

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 36, 5 November 1937, Page 5

Recognition for Franco?

BRITISH ATTITUDE "Some Form oi Agreement Taking Shape" (Beceived 5, 8.?5 a.m.)s LONDON, Nov. 4. The diplomatie correspoudenl of the Daily Mail says that the first step toward recognition by Britain of General Franco 'e Govennnent in Spain is now being negotiated. If agreement is reached, a British agent will be sent to General Franco 's neadquarters and an agent of General Franco will officially be established in London. A Salamanca co'rrespondent says that official circles at Salamanca are most ©ptimistic about the development of the international situation, particularly regarding the attitude of Britain, with which some form of agreement is clearly taking shape. It is realised that there is no possibility as yet of de juro recognition of General Franco on the part of Britain; nox is de facto recognition an accurate description of the arrangement which, it is believed^ shortly will be concluded. It is understood it would merely be n simple agreement for the exchange of agents and sub-agents between the two' Governments. The agents .would be armed. With most of the usual diplomatie privileges, the eub-agents exeifcising the nonoal consular functions. The greatest importance is attached to euch a step on the part of Britain, as it is felt that many countries are looktng . to Britain for a lead in the matter. The.Daily Herald 's diplomatie correspondent argues that the exchange of agents means that Britain has decided to accord General Franco de facto recognition, saying that the British Government, having decided that General Franco is going to win, has also decided to placate him. The Britisfi agent* aecording to the Herald, will be Siir Bobert Hodgson and General Franco 's the Duke of Berwick and Alba. Sir Bobert, adds the Herald, will be styled "official agent," which. it is poiii'ted out, was his title as British representative in Moscow from 1921 to 1924, when the Soviet was reeognised. de facto but not de jure. "The British decision to reeognise General Franco is monstrous and disgraceful," says the Herald. "It is giving him a status he ,does not possess. It is also playing into the very hands af Governments which have deeplv eommitted themselves in an attempt to flsstroy Spanieh democracy.,,