REASONS GIVEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 50, 1 March 1939, Page 7

REASONS GIVEN

GENERAL FRANCO'S CONTROL GREATER PART OF SPAIN [ British Wirel-w. 1 RUGBY, Feb. 27. In announcing the recognition of Genera! Franco’s Government, the Prime Minister said that the British Government had given very careful consideration to the position in Spain and to the action it should take in the light of all the information at its disposal. As a result of the fall of Barcelona and the over-running of Catalonia. General Franco was now in control of the greater part of Spanish territory, both oft and beyond the mainland. Included in this territory were the most important industrial centres in Spain and the sources of most of her production. Even if the

republican forces in the southern sector should continue to maintain some show of resistance, there could be no doubt now of the ultimate issue of the struggle, the prolongation of which could only result in further suffering and loss of life. Moreover, it seemed to Britain impossible to regard the Spanish republican Government, scattered as it was. and no longer exercising settled authority, as the sovereign Government of Spain. In these circumstances Britain had decided to inform General Franco of its decision to recognise his Government as the Government of Spain, and formal action had been taken in this sense that day. Mr. Chamberlain added that the British Government had noted with satisfaction public statements by General Franco concerning the determination of himself and his Gcx/ernment to secure the traditional independence of Spain and to take proceedings only in the case of those against whom criminal charges were laid.