ITALY'S GESTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23330, 23 October 1937, Page 13

ITALY'S GESTURE

WITHDRAWAL OF VOLUNTEERS WELCOME DEVELOPMENT EUROPEAN TENSION RELIEVED (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Oct. 21. The development which took place yesterday at the meeting of the Non-intervention Committee is warmly welcomed in London, and is regarded as having resolved the deadlock. The Times says: " Signor Grandi's speech marked a long step towards a reasonable and final agreement for insulating the Spanish conflict. It is now expected that there will be a small token of the withdrawal of foreign combatants almost immediately, which will be followed after the report of the International Commission by a general withdrawal, during which, at a stage to be fixed, the granting of belligerent rights will become effective." The Dailv Telegraph says: "The development marks a break in the clouds. There may be room for criticism in detail, but this new Italian proposal seems to offer, if not all that could be desired, as much as' could be achieved under any scheme as yet submitted." The Daily Herald (Labour) discusses the possible reason underlying the complete and sudden change in the formal attitude of Italy, but it declares that no one would be so foolish as to lose what chance there may be of securing the withdrawal of the Italian troops. "Their presence in Spain is the greatest of all menaces to the prospects of democracy in Spain and the peace of Europe." The Daily Express says: "whatever causes have conspired to make the new situation, the fact is that European tension is relieved." The Daily Mail says: "Patience has had its reward. The gesture by Italy will be welcomed throughout the world." British experts are examining the details of the machinery for carrying out the tasks entrusted to the British Government by the Non-intervention Committee. It will first be necessary to agree on the form of the commission to bo • sent to Spain. Plans must also be drawn up for the transport of the men to be evacuated, and for their reception in the countries of their birth or domicile. The intricate arrangements that this will involve will not be necessary to effect the immediate token of withdrawal of a specified number from both sides, which, it is suggested, should precede the larger evacuation. It is believed that the non-intervention organisation already existing should be adequate for this purpose. FRANCE SUSPICIOUS ITALY PLAYING FOR TIME LONDON, Oct. 21. The Paris correspondent of The Times says past experience has made the French suspicious of anything which can be construed as playing for time, but if Italy gives evidence of her real readiness to leave the Spaniards to decide the issue for themselves France will not be backward in making concessions. " Pertinax," in the Echo de Pans, says: "Neither the mode of withdrawal of volunteers nor the hour when belligerent rights will be granted can be decided without agreement between England and Germany, hence two crucial problems are not yet solved." L'CEuvre considers that Signor Mussolini wants to gain time, as General Franco's brother is actually in Italy arranging details for a great offensive on Madrid. ITALIAN CASE HELPED ROME, Oct. 21. Italian political circles frankly admit that there is no vital change in the situation, and consider that the principal advantage in Signor Grandi's proposal is that it has postponed a deadlock in non-interven-tion and indirectly helps the Italian case. ACTIVITY AT WHITEHALL LONDON, Oct. 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 8 p.m.) The new non-intervention development led to a day of activity at Whitehall. Interest in to-morrow's resumption of the sub-committee centres in ;he expected statement from M. Maisky. No light has been received from Moscow, where the press merely criticises the weak tendencies of the French and British Governments. ITALIAN PRESS ENTHUSIASTICROME, Oct. 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 8 p.m.) The newspapers enthusiastically praise the Government's policy, representing Italy as forcing the other Powers to return to the British July, proposals, but Dr Gayda warns against optimism. EFFECT ON THE BOURSE PARIS, Oct. 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 11.50 p.m.) The easing of the crisis favourably affected the Bourse. SPECULATION IN BERLIN BERLIN, Oct. 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 11.30 p.m.) Official circles speculate whether Mr Eden will permit progress to be lost by Soviet intransigience.