LLOYD GEORGE ATTACKS MUSSOLINI

Northern Advocate, 27 March 1937, Page 5

LLOYD GEORGE ATTACKS MUSSOLINI

Condemned British Foreign Policy

Will Not Improve Relations With Italy

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. ] (Received 10 a.m.)

LONDON, March 25,

In the House of Commons today, Mr Arthur Henderson (Labour) denounced Italian intervention in Spain., He demanded a commission of inquiry.

Mr G. Mander (Liberal) called attention to anti-British propaganda in all languages, especially Oriental, emanating from Berlin and Rome. Mr H. G. Nicholson (Conservative) said that anyone who had been recently abroad woiild have been appalled at the effect of foreign broadcasts throughout the world, especially to African natives. Non-Intervention Ineffective. Air Lloyd George declared that non-intervention in Spain was completely ineffective. An Italian army had invaded Spain, and was fighting under II Duce’s orders, not those of General Franco. If the Italians conquered Spain, the country would become a Fascist State, and Italy would dominate the Mediterranean. He urged, regarding Locarno, that Britain should go as far with Herr Hitler as he was prepared to go on the vital issue. The Foreign Under-Secretary, Lord Cranborne, in reply, said he did not believe the reports that Signor Mussolini was organising two further divisions to fight in Spain. He pointed out that the reference of Italian intervention to the League was a matter for the Spanish Government. Foreign Office Uneasy. Too much importance should not be attached to propaganda, as example was better than precept.

, The Foreign Secretary, Mr Eden, was not present to reply to Mr Lloyd George’s provocative speech, which has aroused some uneasiness at the Foreign Office. Lord Cranborne was present on behalf of the Government, but he was not briefed to answer Mr Lloyd George, whose attack is not expected to improve relations between Britain and Italy.