By Our Diplama he Correspondent THAT Spain would remain neutral in a European conflict in which her personal interests were not attacked was made clear this week.
Point is given to the avowals of neutrality by the favourable comment in Spanish papers upon the
vigorous action recently taken by the French Government against Communist propaganda..
The Espaila says: The suspending of Communist newspapers, accompanied by other action against Communist activity destroys one of the most effective obstacles to French unity . . . We rejoice in the first place for France because she has liberated herself from an influence which for a time has weighed heavily Upon her, and we rejoice for the countries which border on France."
The fate of Spain during the present time of international crisis rests with the new Government formed under the authority of General Franco on August Some of the more important Cabinet Ministers are :—
Minister of Interior
SENOR SERRANO SUNER : Former lawyer and member of Cortes. Has been called " the political brain " of the Falange. Political sagacity and dynamic energy have helped him to push his way to one of the most influential positions in Spain.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
DON JUAN BRIGBEDER ATIENZA: Colonel of the General Staff and one of the most intellectual of Spain's soldiers. He has made intensive study of Oriental cultures, and his deep knowledge of Arab affairs gained from years of study at Arab universities helped to make highly successful his years as High Commissioner for Morocco.
Minister of Public Works
SENOR ALFONSO PENA BOEUF: Architect-engineer, responsible among other things for the longest aqueduct in Europe, which is at Tardienta, for the model suburb of Heliopolis at Seville, for thirty-eight public buildings in Madrid. He is the most English looking of all the Ministers. Great work is expected of him in the colossal task of organising the rebuilding of the war-scarred cities.
Minister of Finance
SENOR JOSE LARRAZ LOPEZ: First a lawyer and then economist. Outstanding success as both. He has been in charge of the Study Section of the Bank of Spain and has lectured on economics at the Centre of University Studies. Since the beginning of the war he was in charge of the National Service of Banks, Currency and Exchange on the Nationalist side. His age is thirty-five.
Minister of Justice
DON ESTEBAN BILBAO : Lawyer and Traditionalist. He fought the Republic's anti-religious laws, helped to draw up the now famous Charter of Labour issued by Franco.
Minister for War GENERAL JOSE ENRIQUE VARELA: Young as Generals go. being 48, he is already part of a legend, for he it was who led the forces that relieved the Alcazar. He is a man of the people (official biographers say "of modest origin "). Most of his fighting life has been in Morocco. He is a brilliant soldier, but his extraordinary personal charm is valued as highly as his strategic triumphs.
Minister for Air GENERAL JUAN VAGUE BLANCO : Yague, another name famous now among Spanish soldiers. He led the Legionaries against the Republic, crossed from Africa to Spain, and routed opposition all over Andalusia, Extremadura and Toledo.