Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1937 THE SPANISH TROUBLE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 25 June 1937, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1937 THE SPANISH TROUBLE

IN some quarters it is feared that the withdrawal of Germany and Italy from the Non-Intervention Committee (which is trying to prevent the Spanish civil war from spreading to the rest of Europe) is an indication that those two nations contemplate action on behalf of the Spanish rebels. In the first place, the war in Spain is being waged by Fascists against a government which in politics leans towards Socialism, if it is not actually Communistic. The Dictators of Germany and Italy are not inclined to stand idle while the socialists and communists of Spain transform that country into a replica of Russia. It is true that the British Foreign Secretary has said he understood that “Germany and Italy were withdrawing only

from participation in naval control, and that the Non-Inter-vention Agreement itself was untouched,” but there is evidence that the governments of the two countries named, are working in co-operation—presumably with a view to assisting the Spanish Fascists in their insurrectionary movement. The Russian Government’s sympathies, on the other hand, are with the Spanish Government; and if Germany were to continue her activities against the Spanish Government, it is possible that Stalin and his Bolshevists i might take action which would be embarrassing to Germany. But with the latter Italy has associated herself, so far as the situation in Spain is concerned. The two Dictators must be deemed to be united, so far as the internal affairs of the Peninsula are to be considered, and the question, to which the British Government will address itself, will be: ‘‘To what extent will it be safe to allow German and Italian interference in Spain, if the elective form of government is to be preserved in that country?” Another question, which the British Government will probably consider, will be: “If the Germans (supported by Italy) persist in their policy which appears to be the political domination of Spain, what course should be pursued by the Powers of the Non-Inter-vention Committee and Britain? There is alarm in France, and we read that “Germany’s diplomatic offensive is regarded with the gravest misgiving in London” So it is evident that the situation gives cause for apprehension. The situation is in the hands of the two Dictators—they can dominate Middle Europe, the Baltic, and the Central Mediterranean—and they can co-operate in an active policy for the purpose of dominating Spain. In dealing with such nations Britain is at a disadvantage, -because they know she desires peace. Therefore they may be expected to provoke her to the limit of her patience, but to change their attitude if she shows signs of taking action. Disraeli had occasion to deal with such nations. It is recorded how he called Russia’s bluff, when he moved the British fleet to the Dardanelles. Is Mr Neville Chamberlain likely to act in a similar manner, and if he did would the situation in relation to Spain improve? Then there is Russia—the Spanish Government is the stepdaughter of the Soviet Government. Is it necessary for Britain to attempt to pull Russia’s chestnuts out of the fire? Many people are asking: Why should not the Bolshevists and Fascists be allowed to settle their own differences? Meanwhile Britain may be relied upon to strive her utmost to prevent the Spanish trouble from spreading.