P.M. Denies Deception; Welfare Of Spain Considered

Northern Advocate, 1 March 1939, Page 8

P.M. Denies Deception; Welfare Of Spain Considered

(Received 3 p.m.) RUGBY, February 28,

Mr Chamberlain, replying to Mr C. R. Attlee, who moved a censure motion in the House of Commons, repudiated his accusation that he (the Prime Minister) had sought to mislead the House and evade a debate on the issue of recognition of General Franco.

The Government, said Mr Chambertain, had dealt with the matter without prejudice, in conformity with its policy on the Spanish civil war throughout its duration. He cited from standard works on international law r-assages to show the propriety of the Government’s decision and pointed out that General Franco was in possession of the major part of Spain, and the Republican forces, through lack of munitions and food, were in no position to make further prolonged resistance. Prevention of Bitterness.

Moreover, to have withheld recognition longer might have embittered relations with the new Government of Spain, and destroyed any influences the British Government might hope to have with it. Mr Chamberlain urged upon the Opposition the consideration that by establishing friendly relations with the new Government they might hope to secure that British, interests should not be jeopardised by anything that had happened.

“We had repeated assurances on all points mentioned by Mr Attlee from General Franco, but there was one over which we were particularly concerned. We thought it necessary to .ask him to repeat assurances on i’oprisals. The Government had received these -assurances.”

The Prime Minister continued: “I will read the answer to our inquiries. It is dated February 22. “ ‘National Spain has won the war, and therefore it is incumbent on the vanquished to surrender unconditionally. The patriotism, chivalry and generosity of General Cordelio, of which he has given so many examples in liberated regions, likewise the spirit of equity and justice which has inspired the National Government, constitutes a firm guarantee for all Spaniards who are not criminals. “ ‘Courts of justice, applying established laws and procedures, promulgated before July 16, 1936, are restricted to bringing to judgment within the framework of those laws the authors of crime. Spain is not disposed to accept any foreign intervention which may infringe her sovereignty.’ ”

Britain’s Peace Hopes,

The Prime Minister mentioned that 19 other Governments had already recognised General Franco’s Government, and the great democracy of France had tak(;n exactly the same view, and was acting in exactly the

s'ame way as the British Government, j “Anything the British Government 'can do to bring about" an armistice in which some discussions can take place between representatives of the | two sides we will gladly do. I trust ' that before many days have passed we ! shall helar that such armistice has been agreed upon.

“Cnee fighting has to an end, we hope all Spain may unite to repair the destruction which has taken place, and that together they will build up a prosperous 'and happy country which will be worthy oT their cwn glorious past.” ■ The Only Procedure. Mr Chamberlain denied That M. Daladicr’s words implied that the British Government had already reached a decision. Mr Chamberlain said; “That is not a decision, but an expression of opinion. We could not possibly bo certain of the French attitude until February 24 passed and the final decision was taken over the week-end.