LLOYD GEORGE ATTACKED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 19 October 1937, Page 5

LLOYD GEORGE ATTACKED

BITTER MESSAGE FROM ROME SENSATION CAUSED IN DIPLOMATIC CIPiCLES (Received 19th October, 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, 18th October. The Spanish Embassy, replying to a Rome message, says that the British Government has information that there are 110,000 Italians in Spain. The Rome message specifically refers to Mr Lloyd George’s statement published yesterday, in which he referred to non-intervention as a cruel, lying sham, as grave and scandalous coming from a former Premier, whose age should recommend care. It adds: It is time that these shameless manoeuvres were ended enabling a peaceful study of the situation. There is at present no illusion regarding the good faith of Italy’s opponents.”

The statement caused a sensation in foreign diplomatic circles. Those wellinformed detect the Duce’s style in the bitterness of the outbursts preceding the new non-intervention meeting, although officials subsequently stated that it was not intended to hinder the work of non-intervention.

BELLIGERENT RIGHTS The Times says: “The grant of belligerent rights can only safely be made if it can be assured that they will be exercised with a due sense of responsibility and with respect for international law, which, as a matter of fact, has been disregarded by naval commanders on both sides. It involves setting up trustworthy prize courts anc! the publication of official lists of contraband. These difficulties, however, could doubtless be overcome as a part of the agreement putting an end to the flow of foreign combatants and munitions into Spain. In that case serious consideration might also be given to the possibility meeting the grievance over what Grandi denounced as intolerable abuse in the Mediterranean of the flags of some great powers. A necessary preliminary, however, to any agreement is that effective steps should be taken to end nice and for all the movement of munitions and reinforcements from abroad. “As soon as the required undertak-j ings have been given and the necessary I control established it would be possible I to arrange for the withdrawal of troops I already there and fix a stage at which it would be practicable with proper safeguards, to grant belligerent rights f o the two rival governments.” SIGNIFICANCE OF ITALIAN SUGGESTION (Received 19th October, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 18th October. The “Daily Telegraph” says signili-

cance attaches to the suggestion of the Italian Ambassador, Signor Grandi, for the withdrawal of equal numbers of foreign volunteers, from the opposing 'parties in Spain, as the most reliable estimates show that the proportion of foreigners fighting is four to one in favour of General Franco, whose troops include approximately 80,000 Italians, including three regular divisions, and i some 10,000 German technicians and Moors, while the Republican interriation brigade probably includes only 5000 who have had previous militarytraining. j Newspapers in Rome declare that the ■ Italian proposals will be maintained to the utmost.