NON-INTERVENTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23501, 16 May 1938, Page 9

NON-INTERVENTION

SENOR DEL VAYO’S DEMAND IMMEDIATE ABANDONMENT LEAGUE REJECTS PROPOSAL ONLY SIX NATIONS VOTE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) GENEVA, May 13. Senor del Vayo presented a resolution to the Council demanding immediate abandonment of non-inter-vention This is tantamount to an appeal to the Powers to release arms for Spain. Senor del Vayo created a sensation by stubbornly insisting on a decisive debate, the afternoon session becoming a duel between Senor del Vayo and M. Litvinoff on the one side and Lord Halifax and M. Bonnet on the other. The session adjourned to the evening without a vote. Senor del Vayo alleged that the construction of Italian and German aerodromes, long-range gun emplacements near the French frontier and Gibraltar, and the occupation of the Balearics, the Canaries, and Spanish Morocco proved that the dictators were determined to use Spain for future aggression. “What morality or justice justifies you to continue to deprive a legal Government of its rights under international law? ” he asked. “If ' s question does not receive a satisfactory answer no one will be surprised if the Spaniards consider that the conduct of England and France —the originators of non-intervention —is monstrous and inexplicable, construing therein an attempt to deliver them into the hands of the dictators.” Lord Halifax sharply upbraided Senor del Vayo, declaring that they could not have reasonably maintained intervention only against the Government. Britain would continue to seek withdrawals from noth sides. The resolution was a direct negative of Britain’s policy. Senor del Vayo, replying in the evening, said Lord Halifax s statement showed that an unbiased inquiry was more necessary than ever. Government volunteers did not exceed 6000. The Italians alone supporting the rebels were still 100,000. The manner in which the debate ended did not reflect credit on he League. Those voting for the resolution were Russia and Spam against England, France, _ Poland, and Rumania. Nine nations abstained from voting. “ Nine abstentions, I believe, in the League again,” was Senor del Vayo’s comment on the vote. Mr W. J. Jordan, interviewed later, said the League should not end non-intervention, but oblige all nations to respect it. “AN APOSTLE OF PEACE” LEAFLETS FROM GALLERY GENEVA. May 15. (Received May 15. at 10 p.m.) Shouting “Long live peace! a Swiss named Max D. Aetwyler, claiming to be an apostle of peace showered to the Council from the gallery leaflets . urging peace and inscribed with the oicture of Christ surveying a battlefield and sr-r “And I told you to love one another.” Chile intimated her readiness to rejoin the League if it was reformed before the expiry of her notice. The Council, with Russia and China abstaining, granted Switzerland full neutrality owing to her special position. Mr Jordan was assured that the liberty of the press regard) l League meetings would be maintained. The Council, with Poland abstaining. adopted the Chinese resolution.