Plots in Spain General Franco's offensive, intended as a crushing
blow against Catalonia, was expected to begin on December r5th ; last week, however, it was announced that it had been held up by floods. It now appears that " floods " is a euphemism for unrest, treachery and even mutiny in Franco Spain. For a few days no information was allowed to reach France from his territory ; it has been reported that plans of the offensive were betrayed to the enemy, and some confirmation of such rumours may be found in the discovery this week of plans and maps of the coming offensive in the diplomatic bag of the British Vice-Consul at San Sebastian. Some 75o spies, including officers of the General Staff, are reported to have been arrested and shot. General Franco is not alone in harbouring spies and traitors, as over 200 members of the " fifth column " have been executed in Catalonia. Whatever the extent of the unrest in General Franco's ranks, it has been sufficient to delay the offensive ; and as winter advances the weather becomes increasingly unfavour- able. On the other hand, the food shortage in Government Spain becomes more and more severe ; and though morale remains surprisingly high, General Hunger may be a more dangerous enemy than General Franco. Last week, incident- ally, the Burgos authorities restored to ex-King Alfonso his Spanish citizenship and his confiscated properties.
* * * *
