COMPLETING BIG DEAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 46, 24 February 1939, Page 7

COMPLETING BIG DEAL

FRANCE AND SPANISH GOVERNMENT PURCHASE OF WAR MATERIAL [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Received Feb. 23, 10.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 23. The Perpignan correspondent of The Times says the French Government is completing a bi;; deal with the Spanish Government in connection with the retreat of the Catalonian army, buying thousands of horses, mules and donkeys and an immense amount of war material, including motor-cars, lorries, ambulances, aeroplanes, and guns, conservatively valued at several millions sterling. The transaction is legal if concluded before the recognition of General Franco.

FRANCO’S THANKS

GRATEFUL TO ITALY USE OF TROOPS IN SPAIN. UNDER HIS ORDERS TILL THE END. (Independent Cable Service). ROME, Feb. 22. In an exchange of telegrams with General Franco, Signor Mussolini tates: “I again confirm that the Italian legionaries will remain under your orders until final victory is reached.” General Franco replied: “I am very grateful for the Italian help in the conquest of Catalonia.”

LEGALISATION OF WAR MARRIAGES

(Independent Cable Service.) Received Feb. 23, 5.5 p.m. BARCELONA, Feb. 22. The ecclesiastical authorities haye announced the annulment of all “Red war marriages,” but are granting a dispensation to all couples who have been married since July. 1936, and who desire to legalise their position.

BALKAN ENTENTE

FRANCO RECOGNISED DE JURE BUCHAREST, Feb. 22. The members of the Balkan En tente (Greece, Rumania, Turkey, anc

Yugoslavia) have agreed to recognise General Franco de jure. A communique issued at the conclusion ci a conference of the Balkan Entente Powers stated that there was complete harmony of views, and reaffirmed the mutual respect for frontiers. NORTHERN COUNTRIES ALSO HELSINKI, Feb. 22. It is understood that Sweden, Norway, Denmark, emd Finland have agreed simultaneously to recognise General Franco.