TENSION IN EUROPE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 January 1939, Page 6

TENSION IN EUROPE

heightened by events IN SPAIN reported advice TO FRANCE BRITAIN URGING CAUTION. QUESTION OF MINORCA’S FUTURE. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, January 24. . The Australian Associated Press says the sudden success of General Franco’s drive to Barcelona is resulting in a marked heightening of European tension. It is learned that Britain has endeavoured to persuade M. Bonnett to delay the speech he intended making tonight. , It is believed to be very likely that M. Bonnet will agree to withhold for two days a speech which is expected to have a most important influence on the threatened crisis. French and British Socialists are combining to exert the utmost pressure for assistance to the Government of Spain. It is considered most undesirable that M. Bonnet should commit France to any policy before the position at Barcelona is clarified. It is learned that suggestions that France should seize Minorca if. the Italians do not retire from Spain is not merely idle gossip. The question, of Minorca's future was raised by the French during the recent talks between England and France. SPEECH POSTPONED. (Received This Day, 1.35 p.m.) PARIS, January 24. M. Bonnet is not speaking’ before Thursday.