PECULIAR STORY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 February 1939, Page 7

PECULIAR STORY

USE OF BRITISH WARSHIP TAKING FRANCO ENVOY TO MINORCA. REPORT NOT CONFIRMED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received, This Day, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON. February 8. The Australian Associated Press says while official confirmation of the “Daily Mail’s” report, that Britain is placing a warship at. General Franco’s disposal for the purpose of conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca, is not available, it is believed that the cruiser Devonshire, at present at Port Mahon, Minorca, is leaving today for an undisclosed destination.

PEACE HOPES DISCUSSIONS IN SPAIN. LOYALISTS NOT IN HEADLONG FLIGHT. LONDON, February 8. Reports from Perpignan continue to be hopeful-for peace, following talks between <the British Minister, Mr R. C. S. Stevenson, M. Henry, the French Ambassador, and Senor Del Vayo, Spanish Foreign Minister.

It is understood that M. Berard, French envoy in Burgos, is returning to France to confer with M. Bonnet, the Foreign Minister. A Paris message states that it is wrong to suppose that loyalists are fleeing pellmell from the enemy inasmuch as tank troops and gunners remaining with the loyalists are the cream of the Republican armies and will cover the retreat as long as their weapons and munitions hold out.

TROOPS IN RETREAT GREAT FLOW OF REFUGEES INTO FRANCE. CONSIGNMENT OF BULLION DISCOVERED. PARIS, February 3. The number of fugitives who have crossed the frontier is now 130,000, while 130,000 more are toiling toward France over mountain passes protected by six loyalist divisions who are under orders to hold out for two days, after which they may seek refuge across the border. The last loyalist artillery from the Seo de Urgel sector, with 1000 men ■have entered France, where they have been interned. The French Minister of the Interior, M. Sarraut, announced that refugees in France are costing £56,000 a day, and that this will probably be doubled, shortly.

The Customs at Le Perthus discovered gold and silver bars valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds hidden in the floors of lorry convoys. It is reported that the bullion is a portion of the reserve of the Bank of Spain.

REBELS TO REST BEFORE ATTACKING MADRID. GENERAL MIAJA’S ARMY. (Independent Cable Service.)

LONDON. February 8.

It is reported from Lisbon that General Franco plans to rest his armies for at least a month after completing the Catalonian conquest and before starting an offensive in the central zone where General Miaja, with 500.000 troops, better equipped than the Catalonians, and with plentiful ammunition, is preparing a determined defence, though the food shortage is likely to be acute. FRANCO’S DESIRE EARLY TERMS WITH MINORCA. ON “SPANISH" BASIS. LONDON. February 8. The “Daily Telegraph" says that

General Franco is reported to havi made it known in London that he de sires to come to terms with Minorci as soon as possible on a strictly Span ish basis and without Italian and Ger man support. Britain also favour: this plan. The British idea, says the "Dail) Mail,” is to avoid conflict in or about Minorca because of its possible effect on the General Mediterranean situation. It is believed that Britain is prepared to facilitate a purely Spanish peace by placing a war vessel at General Franco’s disposal for the sole purpose of conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca.

The "Daily Telegraph" says that reports reaching London indicate that General Franco is increasingly anxious

to re-establish the monarchy as soon as possible.

Regarding Italy's intentions, the "Daily Telegraph” says it is understood that Count Ciano informed the British Ambassador in Rome, Lord Perth, that Italy’s Spanish policy remains as stated by Signor Mussolini during Mr Chamberlain’s visit to Rome, namely that all Italian troops will be withdrawn as soon as General Franco’s victory is complete and that thereafter Italy has no intention of intervening in Spanish internal affairs.

FKANUE AND FRANCO.

SUGGESTED APPOINTMENT OF AGENT.

(Received This Day, 1.10 a.m.) LONDON. February .8

The "Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says that Senator Leon Berard, after a visit to Burgos on behalf of the French Government, reported to M Bonnet that General Franco displayed the utmost cordiality towards France, and requested recognition of the Burgos Government and the appointment of an ambassador.

Although members of the Government are sympathetic, this is impossible while the Republican Government exists. M. Berard might be appointed agent to Burgos as a compromise.

An unusual request for permission to take degree examinations has been granted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand. The application came from a student who is now undergoing reformative detention, and after discussion in committee Senate agreed to allow him to sit as an externe. In the minutes recording the decision, the dissent of the Chancellor. the Hon J. A. Hanan, was recorded at his request.