STOP PRESS NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20743, 1 March 1939, Page 6

STOP PRESS NEWS

RECOGNITION OF FRANCO STRONG CRiTJCiSIYI OF BRITAIN LONDON. Feb. 28 In the debate In the House of Commons on the recognition of General Franco, Mr C. R. Attleo quoted a statement which M. Daladier made in the Chamber of Deputies on February 24 to the effect that he rc-> ceived advice on February 22 that the British Government considered that th© hour had come to recognise General Franco. it was obvious that Mr Chamberlain had made up his mind and had notified the Prime Minister of another country to act on a policy which he refused to communicate to the House of Commons. That was not the way to treat the House. It was a device to make M. Daladier speak first, but the trick was trumped because M. Daladier revealed that he was acting under pressure from the British Government. Mr Chamberlain’s statement ustifying the recognition was a tissue of half-truths, which was worse than lies. There had obviously been a decision prior to February 23, when the Prime Minister evaded the opportunity of acquainting the House. Mr Attlee said there was great distrust of the Government in tho Dominions, the United States, and throughout the democratic world, who saw countries sacrificed with the aoquiecense of Britain. The Government had done nothing to build up p 3ace, but announced to the whole v orld that any one who uses force vjould have a friend in the British Ministers. Cries of “Shame!" and Opposition ;hoers. Mr Attlee concluded: "Mr Chamberlain is stabbing the heroic defenders of democraoy In the back. Mr Chamberlain denied that M. Daladier’s words implied that the British Government had already reached a decision. They could not possibly be certain of the French attitude until February 24 had passed, and the final decision was taken over the week-end. PRIME MINISTER'S COMMENT WELLINGTON. Wednesday The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M, J. Savage announced to-day: "I have not yet considered the recognition of General Franco.” CRICKET VISITORS OLDFIELD'S FINE FORM OAMARU, Wednesday, In their match against South Island colleges, Sir Juiien Cahn’s XI have scored 190 for three wickets (Oldfield 80 not out, Jackson 64 not out).