FOREIGNERS IN SPAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 August 1938, Page 5

FOREIGNERS IN SPAIN

WITHDRAWAL PROPOSALS LITTLE HOPE OF EARLY PROGRESS FRANCO LIKELY TO CREATE NEW DIFFICULTIES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 20. The full text of General Franco’s reply to the Non-Intervention Committee’s proposals for the withdrawal of foreigners from Spain has arrived at London, and will be issued tomorrow night for publication on Monday morning. Lord Plymouth, chairman of the committee, will return to London on Monday, and will immediately undertake an examination of the document in conjunction with Foreign Office officials. Now that replies to the committee’s proposals have been received from both sides, it is assumed that they will come up before an early meeting of the committee, but no such meeting is probable until General Franco’s reply has been fully considered individually by the various Powers The Spanish Government’s reply was regarded as being an acceptance, accompanied by a certain criticism and some observations on the various aspects of the withdrawal scheme. The “Sunday Times” says that General Franco’s reply is expected to create fresh difficulties in regard to the withdrawal plan. Although he does not reject the proposal, he especially criticises any substantial withdrawal before the granting of belligerent rights.

AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS IMMEDIATE INQUIRY SOUGHT IN WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, August 19. The House Committee of Inquiry investigating “Un-American activities” today asked the Attorney-General to conduct an immediate inquiry into the methods of recruiting Americans for the Spanish Government Army. Evidence showed that there were 1700 Americans virtual prisoners in the Government Army. Others were shot dead while escaping. DEMAND BY FRANCO UNCONDITIONAL BELLIGERENT RIGHTS (Recd This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, August 21. General Franco’s reply in reference to the British plan for the withdrawal of foreign combatants from Spain, repeats his acceptance of the principle of withdrawal of foreign volunteers, but demands that belligerent rights be granted, not subject to conditions, before the plan operates. General Franco adds that he agrees to the immediate withdrawal of 10,000 volunteers, subject to reasonable and fair Republican reciprocity.

DETAILS OF NOTE ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED. CRITICISM OF WITHDRAWAL PLAN. (British Official Wireless.) - ’ (Recd This Day, 10.55 a.m.) RUGBY, August 21. The Burgos Government's Note repeats its acceptance in principle of withdrawal of foreign volunteers and says that “it is disposed, as from now, to increase to 10,000 the number of foreigners to be withdrawn immediately, subject to reasonable and fair measures of reciprocacy on the part of the Red faction and to a proper guarantee that neither should return to Spain and on the basis of a prior grant of belligerent rights.” The Note adds: “The Burgos Government cannot, however great its willingness for conciliation, agree to the grant of belligerent rights in the form proposed.” The Note sets out reasons in support of the contention that the proportional withdrawal of volunteers, as proposed by the committee, is impracticable and suggests the withdrawal from both sides of an equal number of foreign volunteers as the sole practicable procedure It expresses the view that the proposed closing of frontiers should be permanent and without any condition which might limit it, and that vigilance on the frontiers should be strengthened in order to avoid the infringements which have occurred in the past. The Note is critical, in particular of the sea control scheme, and suggests the transference of control from Spanish ports to the ports of departure of shipping, adding that the best solution of this problem would be full recognition of the rights of belligerency, so that the two sides, as interested parties, would control on their own behalf all contraband with a zeal that nothing could surpass. The Note raises objections to the tentative proposal for air observation. It finally declares that National Spain “solemnly reiterates its former affirmation that it is fighting for the greatness and independence of the country and does not consent and never will consent to the slightest mortgage on its soil or on its economic life and that it will defend at all times, to the last handful, its territory, protectorates and colonies, if anyone dares to make any attempt against them.”