CRISIS IN SPAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1931, Page 5

CRISIS IN SPAIN

(United Press Association.—By Electrio Telegraph.—Copyright.j MADRID, February 16. King Alfonso re mu ns nominally King until the elections and Parliament \otes on the issue -Monarchy versus Reublic. Sanchez Querra. the new premier, was involved at Valencia in a revolt two years ago and imprisoned aboard a destroyer last year. He made a famous speech in Mad: id in which he stated while lie reina lied a Monarchist lie hud lost faith in Alfonso. One of Querra’s first steps was to write to Republican Socialist elements to accept three special portfolios in the Ministry. This action lias been received wifli alarm in Right Monarchist circles who feel it equivalent to letting the King’s foes into the stronghold of the Monarchy without striking a blow. While Guerra is consulting the politicians Alfonso is kneeling in prayer at hs mother’s tomb. It is understood thus far that Querra failed to induce the Republicans to participate in the Ministry. REPUBLICANS STAND OUT. MADRID, February 17. Immediately after leaving the Palace, Premier Guerra went to the prison and interviewed Republican leaders there, who declared that they could not join in his Cabinet, but that they would not provide any obstacles in the way of a settlement, provided that the Government pursued a policy in accordance with their views. REFUSAL TO FORM CABINET. LONDON, February 17. A report from Madrid states after visiting King Alfonso, Senor Guerra announced that lie had declined to form a Government, and bad advised the King to summon Senor Alvarez, leader of the Reformists. CONFUSION RF.IGNS. (Received tins dnv at 1.0 p.m.) MADRID, February 17. Direst confusion reigned from dawn to dusk. Rumours were circulated that cavalry and artillery regiments at various towns declared their willingness to flupraort the King against any enemies be cared to name. Snell an announcement elsewhere wot dvr be a mere declaration of loyalty, but in Spain, it has a decided political .significance. Guerra’s failure to form a Cabinet created a profound sensation being interpreted as meaning the King refused to accept conistjtutioualists conditions. The newspaper “El Debate criticises Guerra’s visit to the gaol in order to secure the delinquent’s co-operation and declares he should be sent to an asylum. THE KING POWERLESS, (Received this dav at 12-25. p.m.) PARIS, February 17. The “Journal’s” Madrid correspondent says:—“King Alfonso was forced to agree to a decree surrendering all initiative in Government matters, and will not interfere with the selection of Ministers or the issue of ordinances pending the decision of the Constituent Assembly. It is believed that if the King bad refused there would be a general strike to-day. There are no demonstrations at present. MADRID, February 17. The Republicans refusal to join Guerra’s Cabinet is explained by the statement.—“We don’t trust the King.” Professor Galindo, Dean of the Col lege of Lawyers, similarly declined, saying.—“lt is time enough to listen to proposals when the King abdicates.” MARTIAL LAW. PROCLAMATION IN SPAIN. MADRID, February 17. Nanas agency at Madrid reports <Vmstitusikjn-.il {juarantces have been suspended hrough Spain. This is a tantament to martial law.