DEADLOCK AGAIN THREATENS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 22, 21 October 1937, Page 11

DEADLOCK AGAIN THREATENS

Non-Intervention Sub-Committee Meeting ATTEMPTS TO FIND COMPROMISE Chances Of Even Partial Agreement Sadly Small By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received October 20, 7.5 p.m.) London, October 20. Deadlock again appears to have threatened the Non-Intervention Committee, yesterday’s meeting of the chairman’s sub-committee revealing that the Soviet and the Italians and Germans are in the same position as in July when they clashed on the point of whether the granting of belligerent rights should precede the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, will report on the situation at this morning’s meeting of Cabinet. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says attempts were made until a late hour to find a compromise acceptable to all the Powers represented on the committee, but it was recognised on a l sides that the chances of even a partial agreement were sadly small The “Daily Herald’s” correspondent puts the odds against agreement 1 The Meeting was held at the Foreign Office, and lasted three hours. In the absence of Herr von Ribbentrop, who is consulting Herr Hitler at Berchtesgaden, the German view was presented by Dr. Woermann, Charge d’Affaires. . . Mr. Eden, who presided, in reviewing discussions before the-, adjournment, pointed out that the Soviet had adhered to the view that the granting of belligerent rights must be dependent on the withdrawal of any volunteers. Italy wanted the rights granted before the withdrawal of any volunteers, but was willing to submit the point to the parties in the Spanish conflict. Mr. Eden said that he appreciated the goodwill that was shown, but the question remained of how to bridge the gap. The situation was serious, and it would not be wise to adjourn sine die beiote reaching an agreement. . , The committee adjourned until to-morrow, hoping that in the meantime a method will be devised of getting the divided countries closer together. Soon after the meeting opened Signor Grandi (Italy) sprang a surprise by suggesting that the committee should revert to the British proposal of July 14, on which he did not think the French plan was any improvement. ~ Dr. Woermann (Germany) warmly supported Signor Grandi, but Czechoslovakia, Belgium, and Sweden supported the French plan. The Portuguese delegate stressed the desirability of the granting of belligerent rights to the insurgent leader, General Franco, as early as possible. ' . , Portugal was prepared, he added, to reinstate frontier control provided France took similar action in the Pyrenees. M. Maisky (Russia) said that the French proposals meant the continuation of the same policy with no guarantee of greater efficacy, or for the provision of effective control. Acceptance of the pioposals would only create the opportunity for further endless discussion under cover of which the supply of arms and men to the rebels would continue. The Soviet, therefore, regretted that it could not accept the slightest degree of responsibility for such a policy, which had already ■•--proved its worthlessness and which had detrimentally and iniquitously reacted on the legitimate Spanish Government, but if the British. French and other Governments still believed there was a possibility of success the Soviet did not intend to create any difficulties.

The British Government’s proposals of July 14, prepared at the request of the Non-Intervention Committee and aiming at closing the present gaps in the control scheme and enabling the policy of non-intervention in Spain lo be continued, provided that the naval patrol be discontinued and replaced by establishment, with the consent of both parties in the civil war, of international officers at Spanish ports. They also provided for observers on ships visiting Spain, for the immediate restoration of supervision of the land frontiers, for all Governments to recognise belligerent rights at sea for both the Spanish parties, and for all foreign nations to be withdrawn. Britain sought an authorisation to enter immediate!}’ on discussion with both sides in Spain.