COLLAPSE OF SPANISH WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 9

COLLAPSE OF SPANISH WAR

MINORCA DOMINATED BY REBELS MADRID LEADER CONSIDERING EARLY SURRENDER ANGLO-FRENCH EFFORT TO ESTABLISH PURELY SPANISH GOVERNMENT IBy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Received Feb. 10, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 10. Following the occupation of nearly all Minorca by a Spanish rebel force, the Daily Mail says it is reliably stated that General Miaja,-in charge of the Madrid area, has decided to abandon resistance. A warship is being placed at his disposal any moment. The correspondent adds that British and French recognition of General Franco is a matter of days. France yesterday sent to London proposals for de jure recognition, which Cabinet is considering. A message from Toulouse states that the Republican Premier, Dr. Negrin, and the Foreign Secretary, Scnor Del Vayo, arrived by car and are staying at the Spanish consulate. Two battalions of infantry, two batteries of artillery and other units landed at dawn on the west coast and simultaneously the Ciudadela garrison, on the east coast, rose under a colonel and, joined by civilians, seized the cast side of the island. Government forces are reported to be disbanding, numerous refugees escaping in fishing boats to France. The Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says the Minorcans have agreed to a peaceful occupation provided alt those mentioned on the “black list” are sent to safety. It appears that negotiations were completed without consultation with either the Italian or German commanders at Majorca, who, until the eleventh hour, envisaged the establishment of bases in Minorca. The Australian Associated Press says that H.M.S. Devonshire left Minorca carrying 450 refugees, presumably strong and active republicans. They will be landed at Marseilles, France having agreed to admit them. It is understood that the nationalists asked Britain to convey a representative to Minorca and that the Devonshire was placed at their disposal after reference to France. Britain was not represented at talks which are believed to have occurred on the Devonshire between Colonel San Luis, Military Governor of Majorca, and Minorcans. The impression in Whitehall is that the Minorcans have consented to surrender. According to a message from Burgos, it is officially stated that the nationalists landed in Minorca anil dominate the island, and that the republicans are disbanding. It is reported that bombing began before H.M.S. Devonshire’s visit. Sir Robert Dodgson, British agent, is going to Burgos from London to-morrow fully briefed on British aims. Every step will be taken in close co-operation with France, with the object of reaching an understanding with France enabling England and France to recommend the republicans to sue for peace on terms England and France are able to guarantee. If the new Spain gives an assurance of strict neutrality, as of old, England and France feel able to greatly assist in reconstruction.