NEUTRALITY PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22499, 17 August 1936, Page 9

NEUTRALITY PLAN

POWERS' ATTITUDE ANXIETY IN BRITAIN DESIRE FOR AGREEMENT FRENCH NOTE SUPPORTED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright, (Received August 10, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 15 Tho Foreign Office announces that the Governments of France and Britain have reached a full agreement on the text of the French proposals regarding the prohibition of the export of arms and munitions to Spain. The agreement will come into force when the assent of the German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian Governments is received. The Russian attitude is understood to be favourable. Portugal lias accepted tho principle of non-intervention. The statement adds that final replies have not been received from Italy and Germany. Britain to-day is urgently supporting the French Government's representations to Rome. France now is despatching a Note to the Powers. Britain already has declared her willingness, when an agreement is reached to prohibit tho export of arms to either side. She will also take every measure open to her to prevent the supply of civil aircraft and hopes that an agreement with the other Governments to this effect will be obtained in the very near future.

The Foreign Office states that 110 licences have been issued since the commencement of the trouble in Spain for the export of arms or ammunition. It should be realised that the maintenance of a strictly impartial attitude of nonintervention is essential to prevent the unhappy events in Spain having serious repercussions elsewhere. British subjects who assist either side, on land or sea or in -the air, not only run grave risks themselves, but are rendering it more difficult to reach the proposed agreement. They must not expoet assistance or support in any difficulties they may encounter in such enterprises which are counter to the objects of the British Government. The Swiss Government has prohibited the export of arms and munitions to Spain, and has forbidden its nationals to participate in the hostilities, personally or financially. Sweden also has issued a provisional prohibition on similar lines. CRASH IN FRANCE AEROPLANE FOR SPAIN I OCCUPANTS ALL KILLED (Received August 17, 12.5 a.m.) BIARRITZ, August 16 Two Fokker three-enginod aeroplanes flew over Biarritz toward Spain. One developed engine trouble and the pilot tried to land at tho aerodrome at Anglet. The machine crashed and caught fire and the occupants, believed to have numbered five, were incinerated.

It is thought that the machine was one of four which left Gatwick aerodrome, England, ostensibly for Poland. The British United Press says the pilot was a Polo.