“WILL NOT ACCEPT DELAY”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20860, 16 October 1937, Page 11

“WILL NOT ACCEPT DELAY”

FRENCH POLICY IN SPAIN GRAVITY OF ITALIAN THREATS PRESENCE RESENTED IN MINORCA United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 15, 640 p.m.) LONDON, October 14. The President of France (M. Lebrun) presided over an important meeting of the French Cabinet, to which the defence chiefs were summoned, and at which the Foreign Minister (M. Delbos) outlined the contemplated FrancoBritish proposals regarding Spain. Cabinet unanimously approved of the text of the Note on them to be sent to Britain. France favours making the Non-In-tervention Committee talks as short as passible. Meanwhile, it is likely that consultations between the French and British defence experts will take place. Britain recognises that it is of vital importance that there should be no threat to French communications. Italian Threat at Minorca It is understood that the French Note to Britain is extremely downright in tone regarding the French policy in the Mediterranean. It declares unequivocally that France agreed to refer the withdrawal of volunteers to the Non-Intervention Committee solely et London’s request. The discussions must be considered a final effort, and dilatory methods must be firmly excluded. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that France makes it clear that she cannot in any circumstances tolerate Italian occupation of Minorca, which would strike at the very roots of the French defence system. Prompt reinforcements from Africa are essential to French military policy, and transports pass between Sardinia and Minorca within sight of Minorca. It has long been an open secret that Majorca is strongly held by two hundred Italian aeroplanes and a garrison and is the base for Italian warships. The French Government has not suggested the occupation of Minorca, but has asked that British and French warships should be stationed at Port Mahon to watch developments. Meeting Called A meeting of the Chairman’s Subcommittee of the International Nonintervention Committee has been called for Saturday, when the French and British representatives will make full statements regarding foreign intervention in Spain. The countries represented on the sub-committee are Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Portugal, Sweden and Czechoslovakia.

HINT TO ITALY BASIS OF SPANISH POLICY United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 15, 55 p.m.) LONDON, October 15. In an interview at the Foreign Office Mr Anthony Eden advised Count Grandl (Italian Ambassador) of the understanding on which Britain and France had Initiated the latest nonintervention effort, and emphasised the need for quick decisions. Count Grandl concurred generally and said that Italy desired nothing better than to clear the troubled atmosphere, but the responsibility was not hers alone.