FRANCO’S GOVERNMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 7

FRANCO’S GOVERNMENT

RECOGNITION SHORTLY ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Received Feb. 7, 8.20 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 7. The Daily Mail's diplomatic correspondent asserts that England and France will shortly recognise General Franco’s Government because Britain, taking a realistic view, recognises that General Franco’s military ascendancy is almost complete and feels now is the time for active diplomacy, which imparts meaning to Mr. Chamberlain's pledge of support foi France in the event of war. Nevertheless, Britain does not envisage a war ana desires to avert further bloodshed. It is felt that the time is ripe for a negotiated peace, to which British diplomacy will be directed. While it is believed that France will unhesitatingly recognise General Franco's Government, the NewsChronicle’s diplomatic correspondent, Mr. Vernon Bartlett, points out that Minorca will be an important pawn in the negotitions, since it could long keep the Italian fleet at bay, but may not be prepared to resist for long in view of the loyalist defeat on the mainland. Mr. Bartlett therefore believes that Britain will seek to negotiate a surrender to a purely Spanish force before the Italians on Majorca attack Minorca.

The Daily Mail says that Britain regards the loyalist Government as temporarily non-existent and will consider it defunct unless some members soon return to Spain. Its delegate, General Jurado, is a dictator with a broken, retreating army. Only General Miaja will remain when General Juardo's command collapses. The loyalists deny that peace overtures are being made and declare that Madrid will not be abandoned.

NO RESTRICTION REFUGEES TO FRANCE 120,000 ADMITTED LONDON, Feb. 6. Perpignan reports that 120,000 refugees, including soldiers, entered France without disturbance and they are still coming in at the rate of 6000 an hour. The French authorities have secured the release of a number of political and military prisoners. Colonel Martin, who is negotiating the evacuation of wounded to France, ordered the garrison of 30,000 troops at the Puigcerda to resist to the last man, but they began the evacuation when they learned that the invaders were ten miles distant. A message from Le Perthus states that the French have removed all barricades and are allowing the unrestricted entry of thousands of troops, marching in formation. Refugees and some women and children on lorries are pouring over the frontier.

Terrible sufferings continue to characterise the evacuation. The snow-covered roads to the frontiers are solidly packed with fugitives of all classes and ages. A legless man was pushed in his chair from Barcelona by a friend.

An Englishwoman working at Cerbere on behalf of the National Committee for Spanish Relief complains that there are no arrangements for feeding and watering thousands of refugees, and many deaths from starvation and exposure occur even when fugitives cross the frontiers. Observers eulogise the courage and discipline of the refugees.