Threats to Spain
The appointment of General Lord Gort to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar shows the importance which is attached to the defence of the harbour and fortress, and the Government's appreciation of Hitler's designs upon Spain and the western approach to the Mediterranean. Hitler is doing all that he can to break down Spain's neutrality and to win her over if possible without the use of force. General Franco has been strengthened in his determination to keep his country neutral by Britain's willingness to let food supplies through the blockade. Germany has attempted to weaken this con- sideration by the unconvincing promise that she could supply the country with food ; and since that has not availed she is now using other tactics, refusing to allow the transport of certain goods to Spain through France, and bringing strong economic pressure to bear to force her to change her attitude. General Franco appears to be still anxious to hold out, but it remains to be seen how long he can resist pressure brought to bear on him from within as well as from without. It may be part of Germany's plan to march through Spain towards Gibraltar and Spanish Morocco, either with a view to attacking the fortress or diminishing its effectiveness by occupying Ceuta and ports in southern Spain. But Hitler everywhere at once. It may be Spain's turn soon, be that there are other victims which claim his prior attention, But the fortress of Gibraltar must be prepared for cannot be or it may
anything.
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