“MATTER OF TIME”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 February 1939, Page 8

“MATTER OF TIME”

RECOGNITION OF FRANCO ACCORDING TO WHITEHALL OPINION. FURTHER STATEMENT MADE - BY PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON. February 15. Mr Charpberlain announced in the House of Commons that recognition of General Franco was still under consideration, but officials in Whitehall admit that recognition is “only a matter of time." The Postmaster-General announced that mail services to Government Spain had been suspended until further notice. although mails to Franco territory are being despatched normally. ATTITUDE OF FRANCE SENOR BERARD'S MISSION. ALLEGED PRESSURE ON SENOR NEGRIN. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) PARIS, February 15. Senator L. Berard is returning to Burgos tomorrow. He said he was more certain than ever of the necessity of establishing friendly relations with the Franco administration. It is believed that Senator Berard will ask General Franco to cohfirm the assurances given by General Jordana ten days ago. If he is successful, it is expected that M. Bonnet will ask the Council of Ministers to grant General Franco de jure recognition. , “Lb Sbif” tiebliirbs that Britain and France are planning to repeat the Minorca coup at Cartagena and have threatened Schor Negrin that unless the Government surrenders, the British and Frefich fleets will bo used to intimidate the Cartageha authorities. HITLER’S ASSURANCE Withdrawal ON conditions. (Received This Day. 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, February 15. In the House of Coinhlons, Mr Chamberlain said he had received an assurance tit Munich from Herr Hitler that Ge’rmnris serving in Spain would be withdrawn, when oilier countries intervening hdd clohe likewise. PRESIDENT A2ANA ' ASKED TO RETURN TO MADRID. REPORTED REFUSAL. (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) PARIS, February 15. Senor Del Vayo arrived by air. He Urged President Azana to return to Madrid. It is understood that Senor Azana declined. General Miaja, reporting to Senor Azana, emphasised the strength of the Republican defences and insisted on his ability to maintain resistance if supplies were assured from abroad. It is officially anhoiinCed that there are 340,00(1 Spanish refuges throughout France—lBo,ooo soldlOi’s, GB.OOO children, G 3 000 women, 20,000 aged persons, and 10,000 wounded. NEW GOVERNMENT REPORTED PROPOSALS. NEGRIN SAID TO BE READY TO RESIGN. (Received Tiiis Dav, 1.15 p.m.) PARIS. February 15. _ It is believed that Del Vayo, President Azana, the Speaker of the Cortes, Senor Martinez Barrio and Generals Rojo and Jurando discussed the formation of a more moderate Republican Government, under the leadership of Senor Barrio, to facilitate peace negotiations. Senor Negrin is reported to have offered to resign.