KEEP OUT OF SPAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 19 December 1936, Page 9

KEEP OUT OF SPAIN

DUTY OF ALL NATIONS. MR EDEN’S DECLARATION. VALUE OF NON-INTERVENTION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received December 19, 10.15 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 18. In the House of Commons, Mr Morgan Jones (Labour) suggested that Britain might provide medical supplies for Madrid, He protested against granting belligerent rights to General Franco, and said Labour would not countenance the banning of volunteers unless other nations similarly banned them.

Mr J. It. Macamara (Conservative), drawing attention to notices in German barracks calling for volunteers for General Franco, said the internal condition of Germany was so deplorable that a little firm pressure irom Britain would probably persuade Herr Hitler to withdraw from Spain. The Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) said it was the duty of ail nations to keep out of the Spanish conflict. Frankly, non-intervention had not realised expectations, but despite its shortcomings and blatant breaches it bad reduced the risks of a European war.

Mr Eden added that it had been, a most difficult year, but he did not wish the House to adjourn for Christmas in an atmosphere of gloom. Britain's position in Europe was certainly better than last year. The House adjourned until January 18, 1937.

BATTLESHIP INCIDENT

AMERICAN CRAFT FIRED ON

Received December 19, 8.5 a.m. MADRID, Dec. 18. The rebel battleship Espana fired on the United States gun-boat Erie, which was lying in the harbour at .Oijon. The Espana commenced to bombard the port. When the Erie ran up the American flag and prqiared for action, the Espana headed westward at full speed.

AIR RAID TOLL

CIVILIANS KILLED

MADRID, Dec. 17

Tho casualties in yesterday’s air raid were 63 killed and 263 injured, tlie majority women and children. Two districts were almost destroyed.

TRADE WITH SPAIN,

CLEARING AGREEMENT

SUSPENDED,

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Dec. 17

The Anglo-Spanisli clearing agreement has been suspended according to an announcement made in tho House of Commons. ■ The statement pointed out that the clearing procedure bad ceased to work and had placed serious obstacles in the way of Anglo-Spnnish trade. It had been agreed in principle with the Spanish"' Government that the bulk of all sterling obtained from tho export of Spanish goods to the United Kingdom would be used for the purchase of United Kingdom goods. Necessary arrangements would be made with the Spanish Government iu concert with His Majesty’s Government. Similar informal assurances had been obtained regarding Spanish territory not under the control of the Spanish Government,

Another House of Commons reply stated that tlie Government would as soon as circumstances permitted take appropriate steps to protect the interests of United Kingdom creditors of Spain.