FUTURE OF SPAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20726, 9 February 1939, Page 9

FUTURE OF SPAIN

HOPES FOR PEACE ITALY’S ATTITUDE A MONTH’S RESPITE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 8 Reports from Perpignan, France, continue to be hopeful for peace following upon talks between the British Minister, Mr Stevenson, M. Henry and Senor del Yayo. It is understood that M. Berard, French representative in Nationalist Spain, will return to France to make contact with the Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet. The Daily Telegraph says it is understood the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, informed the British Ambassador, the Earl of Perth, that Italy's Spanish policy remains as stated by Mussolini during the British Ministers’ visit to Rome, namely, all Italian troops will be withdrawn as soon as General Franco's victory is complete, and thereafter Italy has no intention of intervening in Spanish internal affairs. The last of the Republican artillery from the Seo de Urgel sector, with 1000 men, entered France to-day, and were interned. It is wrong to suppose the Republicans are fleeing pell-mell from the enemy, inasmuch as the tanks, troops and gunners remaining in their possession are the cream of the Republican armies. They will cover the retreat as long as their weapons and munitions hold out. Customs officials at Leperthus discovered gold and silver bars valued at £IOO,OOO hidden in floors of lorry convoys. reported to be portion of the bullion stocks of the Reserve Bank of Spain. Franco’s Troops to Rest It is reported from Lisbon that General Franco plans to rest his armies for at least a month after completing the Catalonian conquest before taking the offensive in the central zone, where General Miaja, with 500,000 troops, better equipped than the Catalonians, and with plentiful ammunition, is preparing a determined defence, although the food shortage is likely to be acute. The death sentence is demanded in the first court-martial of a leading Republican being held in Barcelona. Accused is Edouardo Barriobero, aged 63, an Anarchist lawyer and a former at-torney-general, who organised the people’s tribunals to try enemies of the Republic. He is accused of sending scores of innocent pepole to their death. A COMPROMISE FRANCO’S REQUEST AN AGENT PROPOSED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 9, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8 The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Senator Leon Barard, after a visit to Burgos on behalf of the Government, reported to M. Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, that General Franco displayed the utmost cordiality towards France. He requested the recognition of the Burgos Government and the appointment of an Ambassador. Although members of the Government are sympathetic this is impossible while the Republican Government exists, but Senator Berard might be appointed as agent to Burgos as a compromise. FATE OF MINORCA GENERAL FRANCO’S DESIRES RESTORATION OF MONARCHY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 8 General Franco is reported to have made it known in London that he desires to come to terms with Minorca as soon as possible on a strictly Spanish basis, without Italian and German support, which Britain also favours, says the Daily Telegraph. The British idea, says the Daily Mail, is to avoid a conflict in or about Minorca, owing to the possible effect on the general Mediterranean situation. It is believed Britain is prepared to facilitate a purely Spanish peace by placing a war vessel at General Franco’s disposal for the sole purpose of conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca. The Daily Telegraph says reports reaching London indicate that General Franco is increasingly anxious to reestablish the monarchy at the earliest possible moment. REPUBLICAN LEADERS DISAGREE AZANA AND NEGRIN (Independent Cable) LONDON, February 7 It is understood that Dr. Juan Negrin, the Republican Prime Minister, lias advised the Spanish Embassy in London that he intends to go to Valencia or Madrid to establish a Government and continue resistance. General Franco is requesting British and French recognition on the grounds that the Republican Government does not exist. PARIS, February 7 Don Azana, the Republican President-, on his arrival on French territory, said: ”1 want peace." ITALIAN WITHDRAWAL (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) ROME. February 7 Signor Gayda. in outlining the conditions under which the Italian troops

will be withdrawn from Spain, says they include the surrender of Republican" Spain to General Franco and the return of Spanish art treasures and gold from France. WARSHIP FOR FRANCO AN UNCONFIRMED REPORT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 8 The Australian Associated Press says that while official confirmation of the Daily Mail’s report that Britain is placing a warship at General Franco's disposal for conveying his representative from the mainland to Minorca is not available, it is believed the cruiser Devonshire , at present at Port Mahon, (Minorca) will leave to-day for an undisclosed destination. 4 COST TO FRANCE 130,000 CROSS BORDER ANOTHER 130,000 EN ROUTE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 8 Over 130.000 fugitives from Spain have crossed the French frontier, and 130,000 more are toiling toward France over the mountain passes. They are protected by siv Republican divisions, which are under orders to hold out for two days, after which they may seek refuge across the border. The French Minister of the Interior, M. Sarraut, announces that refugees all over France are costing £56,000 daily, says a message from Paris. This will probably be doubled shortly.