Catcalls And “Shame”

Northern Advocate, 28 February 1939, Page 7

Catcalls And “Shame”

(Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 27. Mr Chamberlain’s announcement c£ recognition of the Franco Government was greeted by the Opposition with catcalls and cries of “shame!” The Prime Minister intimated that the House could debate the question tomorrow. Mr C. R. Attlee reminded Mr Chamberlain that last Thursday he said he was not in a position to make a statement. Mr Chamberlain: It was left to me and Viscount Halifax. We came to our decision in the week-end. There was some heat in further exchanges, and Mr Chamberlain said: “I refuse to be cross-examined as to details of hours and moments without notice.”

Mr W. Gallacher (Communist, West Fife): You should be impeached. Censure Motion Tabled.

Mr Attlee; You misled the House last week, and got away without a debate. In future I will have questions asked in another place where we can get a proper answer.

The Labour Party has tabled a censure motion for discussion tomorrow, stating: “That in the opinion of the House the decision of the Government to gfant unconditional recognition to the Spanish insurgent force, which is dependent upon foreign intervention, constitutes a deliberate affront to the legitimate Government of a friendly Power; is a gross breach of international traditions; and marks a further stage in a policy which is steadily destroying in all democratic countries confidence in the good faith of Britain.”

President Goes To France

PARIS, February 27. The Communist party in Madrid today issued a manifesto declaring its determination to “fight on to the bitter end.” The Republican President, Dr. Azana, has left Paris for Collonges-sous-Saleve, in the Haute Savoie, where he intends to live privately.