SPANISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1926, Page 3

SPANISH AFFAIRS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.

MUSSOLINI’S PACT WITH SPAIN. LONDON, Sep. 17. Dir Martin Donohoo, “ Daily Chronicle’s special correspondent, who is now at Madrid, states: “ The Tangier question is not dead, but is only sleeping. It will shortly he revived in a

startling fashion, which will cause a J tremor in all the Chaneelloroies of Europe. Signor Mussolini has just been gazetted to the Spanish Order of Naval Merit and ho has definitely ranged himself oil the side of the Spanish claims. The Italian Ambassador, on a special visit from San Sebastian, worked out with Director de Rivera yesterday the terms of Italo-Spanish accord, which will powerfully affect the situation in the Mediterranean. Though the terms are secret, it is stated that Italy, for supporting Spain’s claim to Tangier, receives a quid pro quo which will enable Signor Mussolini to realise his dream of securing a place in the Mediterranean sun.’'

THE SITUATION IN SPAIN. LONDON, Sep. 17. The “ Daily Express ” special correspondent in Spain, telegraphing from iu order to avoid the censorship, says:— -■ r “ I am able, for the first time, to tell the truth about what happened when King Alfonso made his midnight dash to Madrid from San Sebastian. The Military Academy of Segevia. was in full revolt on September sth when Director de Rivera ordered the artillery, under the non-coms., to man the guns and he ready to bombard the town if the officers tried to leave their quarters. Nevertheless, a deputation of the officers penetrated the line and reached Dedloon in the Sierra mountains where they knew King Alfonso must pass. They parleyed politely, hut firmly, with the King, who promised to support them, When his Majesty told Director dp Rivera of his interview in the mountains, tho Dictator declared : “If Your Majesty gives way to the officers, I wit. declare a Republic with myself as President! " King Alfonso yielded, and Director do Rivera is master again, but for how long ? Mutiny is spreading among officers in all the services, who declare that Director de Rivera, must go. If a revolution comes it will be by the Army, not by the people. Though General do Rivera is still popular with the rank and file, ho is losing ground steadily. Therefore, I believe that, within a month, Spain will be plunged into her greatest trouble. .King Alfonso’s position is most uncviable. Tic lias not lost his personal carriage, lint he can no longer count upon tho support of the majority of his subjects. One of the leading intellectuals said that the only chance of salvation is the.abdication of the King in favour of his third son (Prince Juan, who was horn in 1913), under the regency of the Queen, who is the only popular . figure lefft in the country.”