NEWS OF THE WEEK
SINCE the conquest of Catalonia General Franco has been assured of recognition by the British and French Govern- ments, and it is not likely to be withheld much longer. Nevertheless, he has not bound himself by any promises, either of granting an amnesty to the Republicans or of dis- missing his foreign troops. He has rejected the opportunity of securing a surrender on terms from the Republicans, and though President Azaila is in favour of unconditional surrender, and is likely to resign, the Prime Minister, Senor Negrin, the Foreign Minister, Sefior Del Vayo, and the Commander-in-Chief, General Miaja, are believed to be willing to maintain resistance as long as possible rather than submit unconditionally. General Franco may regret that he has rejected the opportunity of a negotiated peace, for Madrid is capable of formidable resist- ance. His foreign allies, however, are likely to prefer a victory won by force of arms to a negotiated peace ; and their influence is still decisive. It is notable that in reorganis- ing his Government General Franco has chosen as Prime Minister Senor Sutler, the leader of the Falangists, whose aims and ambitions have been formed in imitation of German and Italian Fascism ; it is they rather than the Spanish Carlists and Traditionalists who are likely to dominate the composite movement of which General Franco is the head.
