AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 45, 23 February 1939, Page 7

AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN

OFFER MADE TO VISCOUNT SWINTON FORMER AIR SECRETARY RECOGNITION OF FRANCO [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Received Feb. 22, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 21. The Prime Minister, Mr. Nevilk Chamberlain, has offered Viscouni Swinton, former Air Secretary, the Ambassadorship to rebel Spain, states the Daily Express. If he accepts it will be announced simultaneously with the recognition of General Franco. Spanish loyalist circles predict an early peace offer to General Franco through Britain on the sole condit’on of no reprisals. Reuter's Burgos correspondent says that General Franco holds that he is entitled to dictate terms, including the surrender of artillery and aircraft as a primary guarantee of good faith. A Paris message states that the French Cabinet is apparently aligning itself with London and will decide the de jure recognition of General Franco this week, leading to further talks between M. Berard and Senor Jordana, who at present refuses to undertake not to join the axis, considering that Spain must not yet pledge herself to either side, nor will he agree to refrain from reprisals before General Franco shows his hand. Senor Azana persists in his determination to resign, thereby accentuating the cleavage in the Republican ranks. Meanwhile, Senor Negrin has left Madrid lor an uniknown destinations. M. Berard made a statement that Ide jure recognition of General Franco I was a matter for unilateral action by .France, for which it was not necessary to negotiate or impose conditions. However, the problems arising there from nffist be settled first. The principal object of his mission was to clear up misunderstandings.