Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1939. SPAIN AND SECURITY.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 February 1939, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1939. SPAIN AND SECURITY.

TT is on the ground avowedly that he places the security of France above all other considerations that the French Premier (M. Daladier), in. agreement with his Cabinet colleagues and with the British Government, has declared unreservedly for the recognition of the Franco Government in Spain. Apparently M. Daladier attaches no importance, or only secondary importance, to the alleged revelations, in a, secret report to the Government of the United States, that General Franco has entered into a virtual military alliance with the totalitarian dictatorships and has promised Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler “full co-operation in the use of Spanish air and naval bases in the event of war between the dictatorships and Britain and France.” In the interests of European peace ami security it must be hoped that there are good grounds for the confidence expressed by M. Daladier' inTiis ability to establish neighbourly relations with Spain, and to “pursue a policy of generosity, and watch over the maintenance of Spain s independence. There are some obvious reasons for doubting, however, whether that independence can be said any longer to exist. Ihe existing position appears to be that the totalitarian dictatorships aie to a large extent in military and naval command of Spain, and are hoping to retain her as a close ally. In some recent references to the subject in the Italian Press, the maintenance of this alliance has been taken lor granted. Undoubtedly a considerable body of opinion in Spain will desire Io make the new regime national in fact as,well as in. name, but the outlook as yet is far from being clearly defined. 'lt is said that in Nationalist Spain a phrase has been coined to express the fears with which men look forward to post-war complications. That phrase is “when peace explodes.” There have been suggestions that Italian influence over the Nationalists has waned'to some extent, while that of the German Nazis has been strengthened. Not long ago, a London “Times” correspondent stated, on his return from a visit to Spain, that:— 1 Today the Nationalists would gladly see the Italians begone, though they do not want to lose Italian support in other ways until a military decision has been reached. According' to the same correspondent, the Italians are reported to be anxious about the position the Germans are achieving in Spain. Without wholesale commitments (he added) the latter (the Germans) are securing, it would seem, more effective payment for supplies and a larger share in economic reorganisation. In a word, Nazi influence is outbidding the Fascist in Nationalist political councils. In turn the rise of Nazism has done much to alarm and even antagonise whole sectors of opinion hitherto steadfastly behind General Franco. Landowners, industrialists, clergy, aristocrats and monarchists all fear it. General Franco, immersed in military problems, has perhaps not given full thought to political organisation. Only a narrow circle has admittance to the Nationalist political council chamber. An optimistic estimate of the post-war outlook is that “a. movement is going forward which, having social justice as itsbackground, should draw the parties together.” AVhatever may be thought of their, methods in detail, the Republicans definitely are ;l party of social reform and General Franco, who is reported today to be offering a full political amnesty provided the Republicans surrender immediately, has recently outlined a. programme of reforms including better sanitation, education and justice, and the access to all careers of the humble. His reform proposals have much in common with those put forward by the Republicans and he is said to have declared that his aim is not, only to conquer but to convince and that his dearest wishes are to redeem “the'so-called lower classes” and the “vast sadness of the middle classes.” By his own account, indeed, General. Franco is intent on establishing (Spanish independence on firm foundations and on carrying out far-reaching social reforms. It cannot be forgotten, however, that his record thus far is that of one who has made ruthless use of military force, employing Moors and foreign troops to beat down the opposition of his own countrymen. The German Nazis, before they attained power, ostensibly were a party of social reform, but in practice they, like their Fascist allies in Italy, have at all times subordinated the social welfare and advancement, of the mass of the people to the enlargement of military power and a policy of aggression. Whatever else may be in doubt, it may be taken for granted that in the extent to which she remains subject to German and Italian influence, Spain will be dragooned into a similar policy. Even should the effective weight of Spanish opinion turn lo a policy of national independence, peace and social, advancement, Germany and Italy will still have lo be reckoned with. The international aspects of the position, as well as the national issues that concern Spain have to be considered. If Spain remains so far under the influence and control of the totalitarian States that she would probably lie’at their disposal as a strategic base in the event of war, the foundations will be ent away from the policy which Al. Daladier has declared, obviously with the support and approval of the British Government. Indeed, Britain and France would then be faced by a. crisis in every way as serious as if they had challenged and directly opposed totalitarian intervention in Spain in the opening days of the so-called civil war.