New Britain herald., 1917-04-20

SPAIN NOT HOPEFUL FOR WARS END SOON
 
Has Peculiar Advantage for Se- curing Inside Information

7 Madrid. April 2o.-According to some of the advices reaching Spain. the end of the European war is not likely to occur this year.
 His Excellency, Senor Amalio Gi- memo, Spanish minister for foreign affairs, expressed this view to a rep resentativo of the Associated Press. in the course of a conversation held at the ministry of state. .y
 Spain occupies a unique position as the representative of most of the na- tions at war and as such she is in a position to guage the currents of in- formation which flow in from all the quarters directly connected with the conflict. She protected the interests of some of these countries from the first, and has recently taken up most of the others laid down by the United States on the severance of relations with Germany. Already, 1t had been vaguely conjectured that the end of the war was 8 good way off. but this was the first expression from one in authority based on the unusual oppor- tunities of the central mediating neu- tral to judge the real conditions and outlook.
 we have all hoped that this terri ble conflict could be brought to a close this year." the minister went on "per- haps in the early months of the fall and certainly by the end of the year. But am sorry to say some of the in- formation now reaching me Is con- trary to these hopes, although I am unable to make any positive state- ment, the end may come next year, but even that is a matter of doubt. To be sure there is always the possibility of a sudden and more favorable turn of affairs which may bring a crisis and an unexpected termination of hostil- ities. But generally speaking. we are obliged to accept the evidences of the present.
 A Fearful Prospect. N ''It is fearful prospect" he added. considering the enormous destruc- tion, suffering and misery which the people of these stricken countries are undergoing. and which is beginning to be felt by the people far removed from the era of warfare. But fearful l as it is. that is one of the unpleasant i realities of the war which we must l face, and shape our course according 1 ly instead of being led by vain hopes.' l Senor Gimeno is not only the gllid- ing figure of Spain's foreign relations during the war, but he is eminent in scientific as we'll as in. public affairs Besides holding the portfolio of min- ister of state. he is senator. a mem- ! Der of the faculty of the University of Madrid. a doctor of medicine, an au- thor of standard books on scientific and medical subjects live times a member of the cabinet, and one o1 the foremost men of the Liberal par ty now in power These many quail ties give him a position and authority i'll Spanish affairs much beyond that of a political leader.
 Senor Gimeno was interested tc know the sentiment in the United States in regard to the response. Spain had given to the communities. tions of President Wilson,
 We are most desirous to cooper. ate with the United States in every way within our power" said the min. ister. But in this case our interna conditions made it essential for us tc observe absolute neutrality. Being or the continent of Europe instead o1 across the Atlantic. it should be re membered that we are considerabl, nearer the conflict than America. w, have among us. too. different shades
 of opinion which are very strong ant need to be recognized and harmon