FLEET BLOCKADE?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 245, 15 October 1936, Page 8

FLEET BLOCKADE?

PORTUGUESE PORTS. Anglo-French Action Urged By Russia. AID FOR SPANISH REBELS. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON", October 14. Immediate control of Portuguese ports by the British and French Fleets to prevent foreign armaments being sent to Spain is urged in a Soviet Note to the Non-Intervention Committee. "The principal supply of arms to therebels," says the Note, "proceeds through Portuguese ports. >. To end this supply, the least and most urgent measure should bo immediate establishment of control of the ports. Without such a step, the non-intervention agreement not only fails in its purpose but serves as a camouflage for the rebels against the lawful Spanish Government." The "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent says the Soviet's fresh demand is regarded as indicating its intention to withdraw from the Nonintervention Committee. The Earl of Plymouth, of the British Foreign Office, has already handed the Soviet Ambassador; M. Ivan Maisky, the British reply. This is understood to point out that Portugal has not yet replied to a request for explanations concerning allegations of the violation agreement. The Soviet Note contained no additional evidence, so Lord Plymouth did not •think it proper to .summon a further committee meeting at this stage. It is' believed he informed M. Maisky that the Soviet proposal would not be submitted to the committee. Such suggestions, should be addressed to the British and . French Governments-through the normal diplomatic channels, It is understood that Britain and France are in complete agreement on this attitude. It was learned late to-night that the Portuguese Government had replied indicating its willingness to agree to the Soviet suggestion that a committee of investigation be sent to Portugal, provided similar commissions were sent tp Barcelona, Valencia: and Alicante—the ports through which foreign aid cotild most readily be sent'to-Madrid.