THE NAZIS AND SPAIN.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 October 1940, Page 4

THE NAZIS AND SPAIN.

'J’HERE does not seem to be any doubt that in their attempts to add Spain to the countries under their domination and at their disposal the Nazis are faced by difficulties which will not easily be overcome. With Spain as her ally and subordinate, Germany would not only be in a position to attack Gibraltar by land, but would become possessed of additional bases from which to extend her submarine and air attacks on British shipping. It seems equally clear, however, that participation in the. war would bring on Spain quick and overwhelming disaster. Enfeebled and impoverished by her recent civil war, Spain, is grappling with serious internal problems. Her people are dependent for their livelihood on trade, particularly with South America, which would be brought to an abrupt halt if their country entered the war. It is only under agreement with Britain that Spain is able at present to import essential supplies of grain, oil and other commodities. Thus it is possible to accept at their face value admissions made in Berlin that Spain cannot enter the war “at present.” In fact it seems decidedly improbable that any circumstances can arise in which it would he open to her to enter the war. Account no doubt has to be taken of the possibility that Spain, under Nazi pressure, may be coerced info giving surreptitious assistance to Germany—for example by making bases on her coasts available to enemy submarines. Action on these lines, however, could not well be kept concealed for long, and would expose Spain to the same penalties as would be entailed if she entered the war as an ally of the Axis Powers. In the cireiimstiinces it seems rather unlikely that the Axis will be able to gather Spain into their fold.