General Franco's Neutrality
The Spanish Government had already made it quite clear that it intends to remain neutral in the war ; but General Franco, in an interview published recently in Madrid news- papers, goes further and shows how deeply he is concerned about Germany's volte-face and her association with Russia in the plunder of Poland. It is evident from his words that he is deeply moved by the dose approach to Bolshevik Russia by the country which ostensibly gave him help with anti-Bolshevik aims ; and secondly by the destruction of strongly Catholic Poland by atheistical Russia and anti- religious Germany. He stated that at an earlier stage he had suggested to the democratic Powers that no efforts should be spared to avoid the disappearance of Poland. Now apparently it is his desire to bring about reconciliation between the belligerents and stop a war which in his view can only strengthen the influence of Russia throughout Europe. General Franco, of course, has very special reasons for fearing Russia, and that fear may make him underestimate the danger of leaving Hitlerism undefeated. But at least there is no question now of Spain's sympathy with Germany, and her attitude should fortify Signor Mussolini in his now reaffirmed intention to remain neutral.
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