ITALIAN TROOPS IN SPAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23166, 12 October 1938, Page 14

ITALIAN TROOPS IN SPAIN

Is the promised withdrawal of 10,000 Italian Croops from Spain a sufficient basis for the completion of the pact with Britain ? Mr. Chamberlain concluded the friendly agreement on an express Understanding- that it should not become operative until Italy withdrew her forces. Whether they were regulars sent by Signor Mussolini or volunteers going on their own initiative did not matter ; he publicly identified himself with their adventure. When the agreement was made he was at no pains to deny responsibility. But until the eve of the conference at Munich he did nothing to make his promise good. At that critical time he took steps for withdrawal, and his announcement of this was hailed with satisfaction in Britain. Now he is less active about it, and doubts are raised as to his good faith. Even the 10,000 have only prepared to embark on their homeward voyage, and they are infantry apparently entitled to release after a long period of vigorous campaigning. Their stores and equipment are apparently being left behind. In any case, they are only a fraction of the Italian aid. Official observers estimate the total at 30,000. Airmen and technicians, who have played so large a part under General Franco, are remaining. He is complaining, it seems, that the foreign troops assisting the Government not being withdrawn as was promised. That may be, but since he has a preponderating force this complaint comes with bad grace; in any event, Signor Mussolini's pledge was unconditional, and its honouring would have had an exemplary influence. Unless, without further delay, the Italian withdrawal " actually commences and plans are afoot for a steadily increasing exodus, the incomplete agreement cannot be reasonably regarded by Britain as honoured by Italy.