SPAIN AND TANGIER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 46, 23 August 1926, Page 9

SPAIN AND TANGIER

MORE TROUBLE FOR GENEVA,

(Australian-New Zealand Cable Ann.) LONDON, 21st August. A most important official move has been made, according to the "Dajtfy Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent, by General de Rivera's request through diplomatic channels that the British, French, and Italian Governments should agree either to the incorporation of the Tangier enclave within Spain's Moroccan protectorate, or to the granting by the League to Spain of a mandate over that area.

The correspondent emphasises that the strategic position, as far as Britain is concerned, is that the control of ■ Tangier by any sirtgle Power might constitute a menace to Gibraltar and the freedom of the Straits, which is vital to the British Navy. "France is perturbed for different reasons," he says. "Her relations with Spain are not bo harmonious as would appear on the surface, in spite of their common efforts against Abd-el-Krim. Moreover, under the present Tangier regime France exercises marked predominant - over other Powers. Herein lies Spain's chief grievance. Italy's position is a puzzle in view of Signor Mussolini's absence from Rome, but it is certain that he has not withdrawn the recent demands for participation in Tangier administration, BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE. The question threatens to upset the Geneva apple-cart in September. British diplomacy is confronted by obstacles only surmountable by frank and fearless realisations of its Locarno aims. Tangier resettlement has nothing to do with the Geneva programme, nor is there reason for the British Government to allow itself to be drawn into fresh controversies about Spanish, Polish, or any other claims for seats. The Commission. meeting on 30th August will be competent to discuss the number and character, but not the allocation of seats, which is a matter for the Assembly., In this connection the British Government possesses a trump card. It is Britain who, without receiving anything in return, has unc 1 -taken under the Locarno Pact to guarantee the security of others. The latter were warned then that this was Britain's last and only offer of the kind. The hour may have arrived, or soon may arrive, when a reminder of the fact may not be inopportune. If so, it should not remain without effect upon obstructionists.