CONFERENCE DENIED

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20736, 21 February 1939, Page 7

CONFERENCE DENIED

HARMONY AMONQ DICTATORS FRENCH DIPLOMAT’S REPORT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 20 Following a report that Herr Hitler, Signor Mussolini and General Franco would confer in northern Italy in order to establish a common front on the Spanish problem, a Government spokesman in Rome formally denied that such a conference was being arranged. He said the harmony among the three totalitarian leaders was such that a meeting was not necessary. Official quarters in Berlin also have no knowledge of any conference. A despatch from Burgos says the French representative with the Nationalists. M. Berard, after his arrival from Paris, had a two-hour interview with General Jordana, Nationalist Foreign Minister. A Friendly Reception Subsequently, M. Berard said the Nationalist Government was willing to facilitate the resumption of railway and other services, hut that its attitude to political issues was more reserved. Nevertheless, M. Berard was satisfied with his friendly reception and had hopes of a satisfactory outcome of his mission. Tiiplomatir sources in Paris are more optimistic since M. Berards second interview with General Jordana last night, when, it is understood, he was reassured regarding the independence of Spain and the repatriation of volunteers after the war ends. The Paris newspaper Excelsior expresses the hope that ttie speedy establishment of normal relations between London and Paris and Burgos will now he possible. The eonversa-li.-ns will be resumed on Wednesday. The Republican Premier, Dr. Negrin. and General Miaja. leader ol' the Government forces in Central Spain, conferred at Cartagena.