NON-INTERVENTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23013, 16 October 1936, Page 9

NON-INTERVENTION

VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT THE SOVIET'S ALLEGATIONS FRESH NOTE TO COMMITTEE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 8.30 p.m.) Immediate control of Portuguese ports by the British, French or Anglo-French fleets to prevent foreign armaments from being sent to Spain is urged in the Soviet Note to the Non-intervention Committee. The Note states: "The principal' supply of arms to the rebels' proceeds through Portuguese ports. In order to end this supply, the least and most urgent measure should be the immediate establishment of control of ports. Without such a step th 6 non-intervention agreement not only fails in its purpose, but serves as a camouflage for the rebels against the lawful Spanish Government."

The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent says the Soviet's fresh demand is regarded' as indicating an intention to withdraw from the Nonintervention Committee. Lord Plymouth has already handed M. Maisky the British reply. This is understood to point out that Portugal has not yet replied to the request for explanations concerning the allegations of violation of the agreement The Soviet Note contained no additional evidence, so Lord Plymouth did not think it proper to summon a further meeting of the committee at this stage. It is believed that Lord Plymouth informed M. Maisky that the Soviet proposal should not be submitted to the committee, as such suggestions should be addressed to the British and French Governments through normal diplomatic channels. It is understood that England and France are in complete agreement with this attitude. It was learned late to-night that the Portuguese had replied, indicating a willingness to agree to the Soviet • suggestion that a committee of investigation should proceed to

Portugal, provided similar commis- * sions are sent to Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante, ports through which foreign aids could be most readily sent to the people of Madrid. Meanwhile, the calm before the storm continues on the Madrid . front, though the Government forces continue counter attacks elsewhere to prevent the rebels from complet- • ing preparations for. an offensive Rebel air force activity is most marked' and pilots are arriving at the bases every day preparatory to an attack. .Rebels are advancing from Siguenza .and are now within three miles of Guadalajara, threatening Madrid's communications. There have been heavy snowfalls in the Guadarrama Mountains, where there are no dugouts, and the troops are sleeping in rough shelters made of rocks-arid pines. FOOD FROM RUSSIA i w.''.:,■>".,.' v BARCELONA,;Oct. 14. /-;-, (Received Oct; 15,rat 8 p.m.) The populace enthusiastically greeted the arrival of a Soviet steamer, which was carrying 3000 tons of provisions from Russian workers. A Government communique from Madrid thanks the Soviet for its gifts of funds and food.