The Waikato Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1030 CONCESSIONS BY FRANCO ?

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20741, 27 February 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1030 CONCESSIONS BY FRANCO ?

Lacking official confirmation, the from the United States that General Franco has agreed with Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini to grant “full co-operation in the use of Spanish air and naval bases in the event of war between the dictatorships and France and Britain,’ - must still be accepted with reserve. It is, however, unlikely that Germany and Italy will not ask the Spanish Nationalists for some concessions in return for their assistance in winning the civil war. It is rumoured that Germany and Italy will be allowed to establish five submarine bases on the Spanish coasts, and air bases in the Canary Islands and Rio de Oro. If the report is proved to be correct, the development may have a profound influence on the British and French Mediterranean policy. It is certain that events in connection with Spain are marching rapidly. Britain is said to be ready to recognise General Franco’s Government, and such recognition is being extended by many other countries. General Franco is reported to be preparing a great army to smash the resistance of the Republicans in their remaining territory. Britain believes ,that withholding recognition from General Franco will only encourage the Republicans to fight on in a hopeless cause, involving untold unnecessary bloodshed and hardship. Whatever happens, the declarations by both Germany and Italy that they have no territorial ambitions in Spain must soon be put to the test. If Germany and Italy attempt to establish naval and air bases in Spain, that action would certainly constitute territorial acquisition. Undoubtedly the temptation to gain command of Gibraltar and the western end of the Mediterranean will be strong upon both dictators. Land fortresses on the Spanish side of the Straits might well constitute a grave menace to the security- of Gibraltar and of a vital waterway. For that reason it can be taken for granted that British diplomacy is at present very active, and the developments in the near future will be watched with world-wide interest. With all these contingencies, Britain’s determination to speed her rearmament to the limit can be well understood. Gibraltar is a powerful rock that guards the entrance to the Mediterranean, and the growing strength of the British and French navies and air forces is an additional factor that must influence the policy of Germany and Italy, and cause General Franco to think deeply. The dictators cannot fail to be aware that British and French armed might is not intended for aggression, while their own military activity is admittedly aimed at expansion. Had they intended to force a major conflict, why did they not strike while/ they were at the peak of their power and Britain was comparatively unarmed ? Is it that the concessions expected from Spain and so tantalisingly delayed by the Republican resistance were essential to the wider plans ? On the other hand, Germany and Italy could long ago have established their bases on the coasts of General Franco’s Spain.