PEACE GESTURES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20727, 10 February 1939, Page 5

PEACE GESTURES

FRANCO’S UNDERTAKING FOR FRENCH RECOGNITION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) LONDON, February 8 The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that in return for de jure recognition by France, General Franco promised Senator Berard that the occupation of Minorca will be entirely by Spaniards, for which 10,000 are already assembled; that the Italians will completely withdraw from the Balearic Islands after the war; that arms, ammunition and warplanes surrendered to France by the Republicans could be retained to defray part of the cost of harbouring the refugees; and that an amnesty would be granted covering minor misdemeanours by militiamen. The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says there seems a fair chance that the Minorca talks will result in the island surrendering. The Captain of H.M.S. Devonshire, on which the envoy travelled, has delayed his return to Majorca for 24 hours and an announcement can be expected on Thursday. Placing the warship at General Franco’s disposal is likely to be misconstrued, but Britain seeks to ensure the occupation being wholly Spanish, and also desires to curtain bloodshed and avoid reprisals. Fearing that Minorca was certain to be bombed shortly, Britain offered her services after consultation with France as the only way of bringing the two sides together.

The Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail says that General Miaja is reported to have opened peace talks, and is seeking conditions under which the armies of Madrid and Central Spain will lay down their arms.