"Even if the Republican forces ihe southern sector should continue to maintain some show of resistance, there can be no doubt now of the g, ultimate issue of the struggle, the prolongation of which can only resum in further suffering and loss of life.
"Moreover, it seems to His Majesty's Government that it is impossible to regard the Spanish Republican Government, scattered as it is, and no longer exercising settled authority, as the sovereign government of Spain. and formal action has been taken in this sense today.
"I understand that the French Government also will be announcing their decision on this question today.
"His Majestys Government has noted with satisfaction the public statements of General Franco concerning the determination of himself and his Government to secure the traditional independence of Spain. and to take proceedings only in the case of those against whom criminal charges are laid.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.