PLAN HINDERED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23331, 25 October 1937, Page 7

PLAN HINDERED

NON-INTERVENTION DISCUSSIONS SOVIET A STUMBLING BLOCK DRAFT RESOLUTION CONSIDERED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 22. To-day’s proceedings of the Nonintervention Committee clearly showed that serious obstacles to the agreement still remained. The Italian, German, and Portuguese representatives insisted on unanimity from all members of the committee, v but it is apparent that the Soviet may be the stumbling block. The draft resolution comprises six main points: First, the withdrawal under international supervision of non-Spaniards; secondly, arrangements for the immediate withdrawal of a token number of non-Spaniards from both sides; thirdly, the appoint-, ment of two commissions to Spain; fourthly, the question of determining conditions under which limited belligerent rights could be granted; fifthly, reaffirmation of the participating countries not to permit the despatch of volunteers to Spain; sixthly, the reinstitution and strengthening of land and sea control. Signor Grandi. (Italian delegate) reaffirmed acceptance of the British plan, “ provided all members of the sub-committee accepted equally with Italy.” He urged the desirability of ascertaining whether the plan consisted of a solemn engagement by all Governments. “Back to Reality” M. Maisky (Soviet delegate) then took up the “ unenviable position of bringing the discussion back to reality.” He said that ample experience showed that the Italian proposals were merely a further device for sending more troops to Spain. M. Maisky said the Soviet could not accept political responsibility in accepting the proposals, but had no objection provided there Was no delay in reporting to the Non-inter-vention Committee. The Soviet regarded the proposed token withdrawal of 1000 from each side ae unfair, as it should be proportionate to the numbers in Spain. Questioned by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Mr Anthony Eden), M. Maisky said the Soviet was still not prepared to grant belligerent rights before the withdrawal of all volunteers. The Soviet’s Attitude Contrasting with his attitude on October 19, when he gave the assurance that the Soviet would not hinder other nations carrying out the plans, M. Maisky to-day declared that the Soviet could not simply be an observer, but must participate in the work of the committee. It has thus become apparent that the Soviet did not intend, even though in a minority of ono, to allow the rest of the committee to work the scheme. Mr Eden thereupon remarked that it hardly seemed worth while wasting time in continuing. M. Miasky said: “I disapprove of the principle, but might agree with the particular.” ' Precisely what M. Maisky meant is not clear. . Mr Eden then decided to continue consideration of the draft resolutl0 Signor Grandi produced a counterdraft resolution from which some points were embodied in the final draft. Referred to Governments Another difficulty still unsettled is whether the parties should be bound to the figures produced by the two commissions to Spam. Italy, Ger many and Portugal indicated that they would not be bound. All the Governments are now bemg asked to state their attitude and put alternative proposals. A communication issued c af tei the meeting stated that the Submittee had prepared a senes of propositions for inclusion m the dratt resolutions to be submitted to the main committee. The representa tives present agreed to refer th draft resolutions to the respective Governments. ' , . . ~ „„ A further meeting will be held on Monday. "DEBATE IN THE HOUSE BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE STATED METHOD OF MAKING WITHDRAWALS (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Oct, 22. In the House of Commons debate on foreign affairs the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) said the first thing to do was to ascertain how many volunteers there were on either side in Spam, and the proposal was that the withdrawal should be in the proportion of such numbers as were found on the two sides. It was proposed that there should be no further intervention while the withdrawal was taking place. The British Government would not consider any arrangement acceptable which allowed further volunteers to be poured in while, nominally, withdrawals were being made. . ~ , Dealjng with the suggestion widely held that, even if all went well with the control of volunteers, when the war was over, it might be found that Italians were still _in Spain and still in possession of some of the Balearic Islands, end the possibility that these ports might be used for military purposes, he said he believed such an idea to be unfounded. The British Government had had repeated and most categorical assurances from Italy.