Franco were communicated to Lord, Perth, British Ambassador in Rome, by Count Ciano, Italian Foreign Minister, during. their most recent conversations, it was learned yesterday.
The Italian Government, through Count Ciano, in the course of the talks, is understood to have disclaimed any concern in or authority for military operations by Gen, Franco. At the same time, the Government is said to be willing to do everything in its power to persuade Gen. Franco to take such steps as might lead to the cessation óf'bombing attacks upon British ships.
It was confirmed in official circles here yesterday that Lord Perth had called Count Ciano's attention to the recent series of attacks upon British merchant shipping in the ports and territorial waters of Republican Spain by Gen. Franco's bombing planes.
Lord Perthgeemarks, it is Understood, were rweceivàd by Count Ciano in a friendly spin Political circles if Rome, according to messages received here, lay emphasis on the exceptional treatment' which, it is said, is being offered to British shipping.
The Nationalist blockade, of the coast of Republican Spain, it is stated, continues unabated, and the bombing of Republican ports continues, but British si as far as possible, are being - avoided.—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.