BRITAIN’S COUNTER PROPOSALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20781, 16 July 1937, Page 9

BRITAIN’S COUNTER PROPOSALS

SEEKING PEACE IN SPAIN REQUEST FOR MUTUAL CONCESSIONS CAUTIOUS ATTITUDE OF FOREIGN PRESS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright LONDON, July 14. The British proposals for a solution of the non-intervention deadlock provide for the following:— (1) That the r.avr’ patrol system be discontinued and replaced by the establishment, with the consent of both Spanish parti’s, of international officers in Spanish ports, and also the provision of observers mi ships visiting Spain. (3) The immediate restoration of the supervision of land frontiers. (3) All governments to recognise belligerent rights on the sea cf both Spanish oarties. <4) AU foreign nationals to be withdrawn. Plan Elaborated Britain seeks authorisation to immediately enter into discussions with both sides ,n Spain. The report suggests that commissions should be sent out to both parties in Spain to supervise the withdrawal of foreign nationals as soon as possible, and that all Governments should collaborate in the matter. The fourth part of the plan proposes that the programme should be carried out in the following stages: (1) The establishment of officers in Spanish ports, and the withdrawal of the naval patrol as soon as possible; (2) the establishment of a commission to supervise the withdrawal of foreign nationals; (3) the recognition of belligerent rights. In the sixth and the final part of the plan, it is suggested that the British Government should be authorised to enter Immediately into discussion with the two parties in Spain on the proCall For Compromise The British Government, submitting its non-intervention proposals, admits that they are a compromise between the varying points of view, and state that unless a greater spirit of mutual co-operation is evident than has been achieved in the past, the scheme will fall, and the nations of Europe will be faced with a new and infinitely more dangerous situation. An outline of the proposals is set out in six parts, the first of which deals with the reconstruction of the system of supervision ,and proposals that the naval patrol system should be discontinued, and replaced by a system of International observers in Spanish ports. The proposals also provide for the recognition of limited belligerent rights of the two parties to the Spanish dispute, and suggest the withdrawal of foreign nationals from Spain. IMPARTIALITY STRESSED RECEPTION IN FOREIGN QUARTERS Palled Press Association—Bv Blleetru Tel putr pb rvinrritfht (Received July 15, 8.25 p m.) LONDON, July 15. "The impartiality of the British proposals must make it difficult for any Government to refuse to treat them on the basis thereof," says the diplomatic correspondent of "The Times.” “The British Government is not likely to be over sanguine, but they will at least not expect the proposals to be rejected out of hand."

Foreign Comment Restrained The Berlin correspondent of "The Times" says: "So far there is no tangible indication of the German attitude to Britain's proposals but it is given out that this will be decided in consultation with Italy.” The Rome correspondent of “The Morning Post” says: "The newspapers are forbidden tc comment pending the official examination of the British proposals.” The French Government, according to “>e Paris correspondent of “The N Chronicle,” considers that the Brhish plan unduly favours the Italian and German viewpoint. The French view is that belligerent rights should only be granted after all foreigners have been withdrawn. “BASIS FOR DISCUSSION” INDICATION OF ATTITUDE OF GERMANY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 16, 1.10 a.m.) LONDON, July 15. It is officially intimated in Berlin that the British proposals are regarded as a suitable basis for discussion. TRADE WITH GENERAL FRANCO REBELS GESTURE TO GERMANY United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 16, 1.10 a.m.) SALAMANCA. July 15. An official Nationalist communique records that a trade agreement has been reached at Burgos, between the German Government and General Franco’s Government "which corresponds to the economic necessities of both countries." . CONFLICTING CLAIMS STRUGGLE IN VICINITY OF MADRID United Pres* A«m ■■ .m >on —By Electric Telegraph 1 MADRID. July 14. General Franco claims that his counter-offensive brought the loyalist drive westwards of Madrid to a stand-

still, owing to the doggedness oi the rebel battalions, who stood up against wave after wave of Government onslaughts. The loyalists, however, claim that superior man-power enables them to switch the attacks from sector to sector, but this seems to apply to the north-west rather than Central Spain. STEAMER FIRED ON BRITISH VESSEL STOPPED BY CRUISER Unlled Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Ponvrtaht LONDON. July 14. The Admiralty states that the Almlrante Cervera to-day signalled the British steamer Molton from London, which was inside territorial ' ter. en route to Santander, to stop, and fired two warning shots. The Molton submitted and proceeded on an altered course as directed by the cruiser.