The Timaru Herald TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1936 THE PLAIN ISSUES IN SPAIN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20493, 11 August 1936, Page 6

The Timaru Herald TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1936 THE PLAIN ISSUES IN SPAIN.

Although the official voices of many Powers have repudiated the suggestion that foreign interests are not observing the promised neutrality in the Spanish civil war, the fact remains that for five years Fascism has been engaged in a relentless fight against the activities of the Communists. For months, Soviet influences have been stirring up strife in Spain, while all the influences that could be marshalled to oppose the march of Communism and Radical Socialism, have been feverishly prepared for the present clash. Tortured Spain continues "to writhe in agony: Five years after the Revolution the ideals for which it was made have yet to be consolidated. The overwhelming victory of the Socialists and Republicans at the municipal elections early in 1931, which foreshadowed the collapse of the monarchy, was followed by the election for the Cortes with the Socialists and Republicans in full command. The way to the Republic’s full and early establishment beyond any recall seemed to be assured. The new Constitution was voted towards the end of the year, and ft appeared that the changed regime “Liberty and Justice,” was confirmed. Instead, there has followed chaos and growing uncertainty. Three general elections have been held.-There have been no fewer than 15 Governments, 10 of them within 27 months. The first President has been dismissed ignominiously from office. In between times there have been strikes, riots, and bloodshed. The rebellion now in progress is said to have been provoked by the Fascists, Monarchists and other elements comprising the conservative forces and some will be inclined to denounce their handiwork as being merely political sabotage. But, as the leading English commentators point out, it must be remembered that when the Republic was first created the intention, to judge by the Constitution, which all parties assisted in passing, was to follow the French model. The crowds which celebrated the proclamation of the new regime in 1931 attacked and insulted the Communists, declaring that they would have no “Moscow agents.” At the demonstration to celebrate the Popular Front victory in February of this year, however, the bands preferred to play the International to the Republican hymn, and hammer and sickle banners and the Red Fag were flown everywhere. If Fascism, preferably Clerical Fascism, like the Austrian variety, is not the sole objective of the Conservatives, most certainly Communism is the enemy to be avoided at all costs. For the moment, in many parts of Spain, the farmers took to Communism as their only salvation, but it is quite plain that the powerful and strongly supported Conservative elements in Spain would welcome any united effort that could be made to check the movement in Spain towards a republic on the Russian model, because such a consummation would imperil the fabric of enlightened democracy in Europe.