ITALY IN SPAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22687, 27 March 1937, Page 10

ITALY IN SPAIN

The major question before the whole world at this moment is whether Italy intends to defy the Powers over her intervention in Spain, and whether, in that event, the crisis may assume a form much more menacing to European peace. The Non-intervention Committee, after months of effort which have tried the patience of observers not familiar with the inevitably tortuous paths of international discussion, appeared to have brought its scheme of control to the point of action when the Italian cry of defiance was raised. It is idle to debate whether the Italian Ambassador to Britain had definite instructions or not when he declared that Italy would not withdraw any of her nationals from Spain until the Government forces were defeated. There can be no question but that his was the voice of his master, Signor Mussolini. Having avoided crippling League sanctions when he embarked upon the conquest of Abyssinia, the Dictator no doubt has a supreme contempt for collective methods. The failure of the League to divert him a hairsbreadth from his course over Abyssinia does not inspire hope anywhere that control of intervention in Spain would approach perfection. His obsession to spread the Fascist doctrine and, incidentally, gain the reward of a certain ally on the north of the Mediterranean, may carry him on a headlong course. What that might lead to none can say, but the information in regard to repercussions of the Italian attitude this morning makes plain dangers that may have to be faced within a brief time. It is within Italy's power to cause the non-inter-vention scheme to collapse, in which event the consequences would not likely be confined to Spain.