ITALIANS IN SPAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1938, Page 5

ITALIANS IN SPAIN

ONLY TEN THOUSAND TO BE WITHDRAWN MUSSOLINI’S MAXIMUM CONCESSION SEMI-OFFICIAL STATEMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, October 10. The Milan correspondent of “The Times” reports that the Italian Legionaries whom General Franco is sending home have assembled at Rioja, whence they will proceed to Naples in a few days. The Milan newspaper, “Corriere della Sera,” says that the Legionaries participated in the most important battles during the past 21 months, losing 4000 killed and 9000 wounded. A semi-official communique issued at Rome makes it clear that Signor Mussolini regards the withdrawal of 100,000 men from Spain as Italy’s maximum concession in order to procure the ratification of the Anglo-Italian agreement. The communique adds that the withdrawal is not connected with the decisions of the Non-Intervention Committee, nor with the international or Mediterranean political situations, but was decided long before the Munich conference. "Reports of a discussion of a Mediterranean pact are misleading and premature,” adds the communique. Reuter’s Rome correspondent says that it is noted that only infantrymen are being withdrawn. General Franco is reported to have declared that he still requires Italian airmen, who are playing a most important part in the Ebro offensive. The correspondent adds that the Italians are anxiously awaiting to hear whether the withdrawal of the infantrymen will satisfy Britain. MORE NECESSARY BEFORE PACT WITH BRITAIN CAN TAKE EFFECT. TOTAL FORCE SAID TO NUMBER 30,000. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, October 10. The Australian Associated Press says official circles are pleased with Italy’s intended withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Spain but it is understood that a more substantial gesture is necessary before the Anglo-Italian pact can be implemented. Further withdrawals are expected by stages. The latest reports from official observers in Spain estimate, that the Italian troops there total 30,000.

WAR GRAVES COMMITTEE BRITISH MEMBERS GIVEN CORDIAL WELCOME. FRIENDLY FEELING SHOWN. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) ROME, October 10. Signor Mussolini cordially received British members of the War Graves Committee. Major-General Sir Fabian Ware thanked the Duce for his efforts at the Munich conference. “Old Anglo-Italian friendship still lives in the hearts of Britons and Italians and the graves of British dead are honoured as a pledge of eternal friendship,” said Marshal Caviglia at the annual meeting today of the Anglo-Italian War Graves Committee. He hoped that the mutual brotherhood of arms would never be broken. Field Marshal Lord Cavan, replying, said that Britons fully appreciated Signor Mussolini’s help at the Munich conference, which showed that world problems could be settled by discussion. Britain and Italy had an important part to play in the cause of peace. The British delegation was vividly impressed by Italian friendliness displayed both at the official contacts in Rome and in the spontaneous welcome of the population at the war grave areas.