IN SPAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1930, Page 6

IN SPAIN

THE NEW PREMIER. WELL IN WITH ARMY. (.United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] LONDON, Jan. 28. Premier Do Rivera apologised to the King, but King Alfonso, apparently, informed him that he no longer enjoyed His Majesty’s confidence, and forthwith accepted his resignation, though it was agreed not to publish the fact before the night’s Cabinet. Throughout the day the King received intimations by telephone and telegraph, and also by personal calls that the garrisons would support any Government that would be entrusted with the King’s confidence. All classes to-night took the utmost precautions to avoid a 113’ uprisings. Tlie Civil Guard and artillery were ordered to remain at their barracks. A typical example of the censorship is the fact that not- a single newspaper in Spain published General De Rivera’s resignation. General Berenguer has informed the British United Press that if the situation cannot bo .-solved-,- he- will form a Cabinet, because he will unconditionally serve his King and Motherland.- : ,• - ■ - ■- - - • • General Berenguer is in a strong position in the army and .he is respected by the party leaders. _ His Cabinet will .lie a bridge, as between the dictatorship and a Government which will be formed under constitutional conditions. It is believed that General De Rivera’s Assembly, ,which was appointed by Decree, will be dissolved.

RIOTING AT CAPITAL. MADRID, Jan. 28. "The students started rioting at Madrid in the evening. They were shouting: “We won’t have Berenguer! No more generals J” 1 The police were forced to draw their swords* and they made a number of arrests. One girl was wounded. General Berenguer, in a statement said that he will not act. as, an officer, but as, a civilian. .

DE RIVERA’S GOOD HUMOUR. MADRID, Jan. 28. General De Rivera remained jocuI Jar and breezy to the end, i When standing in the door way of the palace, the General told the photographers; “This probably will be the last picture you will take of me here.” General Berengeur has always been regard'etT- as'-llSsttfeJ.tc> General ■""" De Rivera. Nevertheless General De Rivera, in announcing his successor, said, that General Berengeur was thoroughy competent to handle the country’s affairs, and he sang the praises of the other General for a considerable time. General Prime De Rivera's last words, officially were: “I am going home to have supper quietly. 1 think you will agree I well deserve it.” Subsequently General De Rivera said that he was going to leave the army. General Berengeur remained at the office of the Palace from 7.30 o’clock until General De Rivera left. Then he entered the Royal Chambers, and emerged at 9.50 o’clock. He said: “I come as a soldier ,to fulfil my duty. I will act as a citizen.” He refused to say whether bis Ministry would be composed of civil or military elements, answering only: “It will be a Government.” •

PUBLIC UNCONCERNED. MADRID, Jan. 28. Later on the first evening paper published the news in a special edition at 10.15 o’clock. Meantime the news spread verbally to the clubs and cafes. There were scenes of animated discussion, but (the average citizen seemed to be unconcerned. The students referred to earlier, on hearing the hews, .tried to hoist the Red Flag , outside the Royal Palace, but they were dispersed. A girl was wounded by a stone thrown at a policeman. In Barcelona, revolvers were fired during a clash between the police and the students. One civilian was wounded by a shot fired by a student. A revolt planned in Cadiz was abandoned on the receipt of news from the capital.

THE LATEST VERSION. MADRID, January 28. The immediate cause of the Dictator's resignation was the expulsion of four officers from Seville, which was followed by the resignation of the. Captain-General of Seville, namely, the Infante Carlos, cousin of King Alfonso, who stated that he did not wish any longer to retain command of the garrison, which was threatening revolt. This obliged General De Rivera to take action, and it explains the note from him (cabled Sunday) I asking the chiefs of the army and navy if they were satisfied with his regime. The reply of Infante Carlos to this is unknown, but General Barera, the Captain-General of Catalonia, arrived at Madrid yesterday morning, and he immediately saw the King. The reply of the navy was: “Your question is political! We are not politicians !” In tendering his resignation, General De Rivera said: “I realise ’ that I made a mistake in issuing the note.”