Franco's Next Offensive While Germany moves towards increased religious perse-
cution, in Government Spain there is increased religious toleration. Last week the Government issued a decree recognising the right of every Spaniard to profess and practice the religion he chooses ; and at the same time established a commission to regulate religious questions. It is expected that it will immediately proceed with reopening the churches. The curious result of two years of war has been to establish firmly the control of the Liberal and Moderate elements in the Government, which is now faced with the task of repelling what is expected to be General Franco's greatest offensive to date, directed at Catalonia. It is described by Dr. Negrin, the Prime Minister, as the last attempt to establish Fascism in Spain. The Republican Army is probably now competent to resist the offensive ; the greater danger to the Government is the threat of starvation if belligerent rights are granted to General Franco. To that extent the fate of Spain is in the hands, not of Negrin, or Franco, or his allies, but of Great Britain ; it hangs more particularly on the decisions taken by Mr. Chamberlain on his forthcoming visit to Rome. It is noticeable that the arguments for granting belligerent rights are being strongly urged by a section of the Government's supporters in this country.
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