FOREIGN ACTIVITIES IN SPAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20863, 20 October 1937, Page 9

FOREIGN ACTIVITIES IN SPAIN

ITALY’S OFFER DISCUSSED CRITICISM OF ENGLISH PRESS ALLEGED EVIDENCE OF INSINCERITY British Official Wireless (Received October 19, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, October 18. At to-morrow’s resumed meeting ol the Chairman’s Sub-Committee of the Non-Intervention Committee, at which the British Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden) will preside in the absence of the chairman (Lord Plymouth), the considered views of the Governments represented on the committ e will, it is hoped, be available on the French plan for the withdrawal from Spain within as short a time as possible of non-Spanlsh combatants. English Press V’-ws There is no indication in the press to regard the outlook for success on the French proposals with undue optimism, but “The Times" states that the discussion by the committee was “not unhelpful." “The Times” says: “The granting of belligerent rights can only safely be made if it can be assumed that they will be exercised with a due sense of responsibility, and with respect for international law, which, as a matter of fact, has been disregarded by the naval commanders of both sides. It involves setting up trustworthy prize courts and the publication of official lists of contraband. These difficulties, however, could doubtless be overcome as part of an agreement putting an end to the flow of foreign combatants and munitions into Spain. “In that case,” adds “The Times,” “serious consideration might also be given to the possibility of meeting the grievance over what Count Grandl denounced as the intolerable abuse in the Mediterranean of the flags of the great Powers. A necessary preliminary, how ever to any agreement is that effective steps should be taken to end once and for all the movement of munitions and reinforcements from abroad. As soon as the required undertakings have been given and the necessary control established, it should be possible to arrange for the withdrawal of troops already there, and to fix a stage at which it would be practicable, with proper safeguards, to grant belligerent rights to the two rival governments." “The Daily Telegraph” states that behind all the signs of dissension there was a surprising ' measure of agreement on fundamentals. The only jarring note came from the Soviet. “The Dally Telegraph," however, states that significance attaches to Count Grandl’s suggestlc i for the withdrawal of equal numbers of volunteers from Spain. “The Dally Herald" Is critical of the Italian suggestion that the numbers of withdrawals on each side shall ba equal. “This," says “The Dally Herald," "Is Inequitable and is knowr to Italy to be unacceptable and offering scope for protracted talk.” “The News Chronicle” de-crlbes the Italian offer as a mockery of unfairness. "The Manchester Guardian” says: “Count Grandl’s reference to equality In withdrawals and to belligerent rights will open out the old and dreary vista of Interminable talk leading 1 ■> the goal of action that indefinitely recedes. The interventionist Powers have played this game profitably and long, but surely, as far as the NonIntervention Committee is concerned, for the last time." Inequitable Offer The Italian newspapers declare that the Italian proposals will be maintained to the utmost. The most reliable estimates show that the proportions of foreigners fighting are four to one in favour of General Franco, whose troo- • Include about 80,000 Italians, including three regular divisions, and some 10,000 German technicians and Moors. The Republican International Brigade probably Includes only 5000 who have had previous military training. REACTION IN SPAIN ITALY’S PROPOSALS RIDICULED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright (Received October 19, 6.30 p.m.) VALENCIA, October 18. Commentators scoff at Count Grandl’s token withdrawal, as the foreigners on the Government side total at most 15,000, compared with General Franco’s 110,000. ITALY’S SHARP REJOINDER “FANTASTIC FIGURES” DENOUNCED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright (Received October 19, 6.30 p.m.) ROME, October 18. A communique declaring that absolutely fantastic figures creating a dangerous hysteria and war psychosis are being given abroad regarding the Italian volunteers in Spain. Accordingly it Is considered advisable to state officially that the volunteers number about 40,000, Including supply services. This Is the truth and there can be no fear of denials from any quarter. The volunteers on the side of the Valencia Government are many more.