SPANISH NOTE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 160, 3 April 1937, Page 9

SPANISH NOTE

Many Italian Troops in

Civil War

EVIDENCE SUBMITTED Representations to British Foreign Office MESSAGE FROM THE DUCE By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copy right. (Received April 2, 7.30 p.m.) London, April 1. The Spanish Government has sent a note to the Foreign Office drawing attention to Hhe "irrefutable evidence of the presence in Spain of a large number of Italian troops.” The Note is accompanied by photographs, including one of a telegram from the Italian Prime Minister, Signor Mussolini, during his Libyan tour allegedly encouraging the Italians; two letters on stationery of the Italian War Ministry, and also a communication from the Fascist Grand Council, greeting “our 50,000 comrades in Spain.”

The Spanish Note further asserts that Italy has assumed in Spain an attitude of belligerent power. “There exist on Spanish territory complete units of the Italian army, who are acting as if they were a real army of occupation.” It alleges that Italy virtually has invaded Spain and seeks British and French assistance in bringing the question before the Non-Intervention Committee.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” however, says the committee will probably decide that the Note does not fall within its competence, us charges of foreign invasion can only be dealt with by the League of Nations.

When the loyalists captured Brihuega the booty taken included the following telegram from Signor Mussolini to the Italian officer. Genera! Mancini, it was reported on March 20:-—

I have just received aboard the Pola. in which I am going to Libya, a communique of the great battle on the Guadalajara sector. lam following the* slightest incident with tlie certainty that the spirit and tenacity of our legionaries wiii vanquish resistance. It will be a success of great military and political importance to crush the international forces. 1 follow hour by hour the activities of the legionaries which will be crowned with victory. TO PE OPPOSED “EVEN BY FORCE’’ Searching of French Ships (Received April 2, 7.30 p.m.) Paris, April 1. The Government has instructed all French warships to oppose, “even by force.” the stopping or searching of French merchant ships on the high seas. LEAKAGES TO PRESS Non-intervention Committee

Loudon. March 25.

1/eakttgCs of information to the Press concerning the transactions of the Non-Intervention Committee are viewed with the greatest concern by the British Cabinet. It is feared that the prominence given by British newspapers to Count Grandi’s recent outburst may further anger Signor Mussolini. It is suggested that bj’ asking Rome whether Count Grand! spoke the mind of Italy Signor Mussolini will be given time for reflection a nd the opportunity to save his face. Coupled with the inquiry will be further efforts to induce Signor Mussolini to give his support to the proposal for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Spain.

Side by side with this move. France will be sounded out on the possibility of referring the issue of the withdrawal of foreign troops to the Council of the League of Notions next month Such action would be taken under Article 10 of the League Covenant, in which member nations undertake to respect and preserve territorial integrity. While the British Cabinet was working on these lines, the Soviet Ambassador, M. Maisky, bluntly told the Non-Intervention Committee that Italy had been guilty of the ‘‘most flagrant act of foreign intervention in history.” Italy’s part in the Spanish civil war, M. Maisky said, was akin to an Italian invasion, and amounted to military aggression as understood by the League of Nations. Conservative figures proved that there were at least 60.000 Italians in Spain in the middle of February, since when tlie number had been increased considerably.