“INSULT” TO BRITISH NAVY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

“INSULT” TO BRITISH NAVY

LABOUR’S STRONG PROTEST NON-INTERVENTION CRITICISED REQUEST FOR FULL DRESS DEBATE Uniuo Press Association—By kr. •.:>< Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, July 15. “Is there no indignity which we will not tolerate” asked a Labour member in the House of Commons when Lieu-tenant-Colonel Llewellin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty) in making a statement on behalf of the Admiralty mentioned that the Royal Oak had. protested against the rebel cruiser Almirante Cervera firing a third shot at the Molton. Mr Arthur Henderson (Labour) followed this up by asking if it were not without precedent in English history for a British warship to stand by and allow a British ship to be attacked. Lieutenant-Colonel Llewellin’s reply that the ship was not attacked, but merely brought to, provoked derisive laughter from the Labour members. The Almirante Cervera on Wednesday signalled the British steamer Molton, of 3091 tons, from London, which was inside territorial waters en route to Santander, to stop. The rebel cruiser fired two warning shots and the Molton submitted and proceeded on an altered cour •, as directed by the cruiser.

NON-INTERVENTION PROPOSALS LABOUR’S SEVERE CRITICISM United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - Convrieht LONDON, July 15. During the debate in the House of Commons on the adjournment, Mr C. R. Attlee (Leader of the Opposition) declared that the Government’s new non-intervention proposals were illconceived and dangerous, and would only produce another of those cases in which, under the pretence of making non-intervention effective, General Franco had been given an advantage, Mr Eden in attempting to reconcile the irreconcilable, only surrendered to the demands of the Fascist Powers. Mr Attlee contended that nonintervention restrictions were always rigorously enforced against the Spanish Government, including munitions, of which Italy piled in quantities to General Franco and similarly Signor Mussolini poured in masses of volunteers, while only action by the House of Commons, prevented Britain blockading Bilbao on General Franco's behalf. The proposals to grant General Franco belligerent rights, was made in order to please Herr Hitler, and Signor Mussolini.

Mr Attlee added that the dictators were both laughing at Britain. The Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), replying' to the Opposition criticism, said the attitude of the Labour members was merely a disservice to their own cause, and—what was far more serious—to peace. He added - that information from abroad did not support Mr Attlee’s contention that the proposals would be ineffective. Not a single nation in Europe wanted non-intervention to break down, as the risks of a conflagration would thereby be inevitably increased.

Labour’s Firm Stand Members of the British Labour Opposition hold that the withdrawal of foreign nationals should be completed before belligerent rights are accorded. In the House of Commons, Mr C. R. Attlee asked Mr Eden whether he would withdraw at to-morrow’s meeting which he described as “this proposal for the recognition of General Franco, until after the complete withdrawal of foreign nationals.” Mr Eden, in reply, said there could be no question of any modification of the proposals, which the Committee itself had not yet considered. He was sure the House would not wish to jeopardise, in advance the cause of international appeasement, to which the proposals had been designed to further. Demand for Debate Mr Attlee moved for a debate on the subject, and the Speaker asked if Mr Attlee had the support of the House. Labour Members rose in a body to signify their assent, whereupon leave was granted. RECEPTION OF PROPOSALS ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ANY CONCESSION United Press Association —By kl.'trtc Tel fen nh—Copvrleh t (Received July 16, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, July 16. The newspapers agree that the Labour members did not like the job of criticising the non-intervention plan. Mr Attlee’s speech was pitched in the lowest key, and instructions were given to his followers to avoid a division, indicating that the executive is not united at all on the decision to raise the subject. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Manchester Guardian” points out that the British plan is not open to a charge of favouring either side. The recognition of belligerency is accompanied by conditions outweighing any disadvantages the Spanish Government will suffer from it. Italy and Germany accept the plan “in principle.” Thereafter they will play fjr time by haggling over- details, and endeavouring to secure modifications. The outlook for the time being is theoretical non-intervention, while, clandestine interventon will go on as before.