Solidarity on Spanish Question.

Northern Advocate, 27 January 1939, Page 5

Solidarity on Spanish Question.

(Received 2 p.m.) PARIS, January 26,

Referring to Spain during the course of his address to the Chamber of Deputies, M. Bonnet said that the part Italy was taking could not be ignored, but the argument against intervention remained. He said: “We consider it is for the Spaniards to settle their own affairs, but we won’t allow our communications with North Africa to be endangered by foreign troops in Spain or from Morocco or the Spanish islands, “When we informed ; our British friends of this viewpoint they perfectly understood us. Britain’s attitude has been perfectly loyal.

Interference Not Tolerated.

“France has interests to defend in Spain. “We cannot allow any State to interfere with Spain to the extent of threatening French integrity. “The Burgos Government has let it be known it won’t allow any foreign Power to settle the country. “Britain is no less menaced regarding Malta and Gibraltar.

“I can, therefore, affirm that there is complete Anglo-French solidarity on this question.” Strong Franco-Britisfh Axis.

He added that Lord Halifax informed him that Britain would not accept any infringement of Spanish territorial integrity.

He declared the Franco-British axis was as strong as any in Europe. For this reasop France wanted to see Britain develop her military i&wer to the maximum and Britain wished France to do the same.

Determined to Hold Empire.

“France is determined to maintain the integrity of her empire. “Let there be no ambiguity. Nobody may lay a finger on the empire.

“France will not permit any attempt against, what has been built up by French blood and French bravery.” “She will keep her independence and her territories intact.”

Alluding to the Far East, M. Bonnet said the Government was determined not to allow any attack against French interests.

“We shbll not admit that an agreement like the Treaty of Washington can be unilaterally denounced. Soviet Pact Still in Force.

“Our engagements with the Soviet and Poland continue and must be carried out in the spirit in which they were contracted.

“France has recovered her influence 'and is ready for any eventuality,” he concluded.

The Chamber of Deputies will vote on a confidence motion:

“That the Chamber approves of the Government’s declaration and is confident in its vigilance to maintain the integrity of the French Empire and the safety of the Imperial routes.”