RUSSIA’S STAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 239, 9 October 1936, Page 7

RUSSIA’S STAND

THE SPANISH WAR NON-INTERVENTION PACT THREAT OF WITHDRAWAL MADE BY SOVIET ARMS FOR INSURGENTS (By Telegraph—Pre.<3 Association—Copyright] Received Oct. 8. 11 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 8. A Russian Note threatening to withdraw from the Spanish Non-in-tervention Pact if immediate measures are not taken to prevent its violation was delivered by the Soviet Charge D’Affaires, London, to the London Committee, which will consider it to-morrow. The Note specifically accuses Italy, Germany and Portugal of supplying war material to the insurgents, thereby making the Non-intervention Agreement practically non-existent It adds: The Soviet Government can in no circumstances agree to transform the Non-intervention Agreement into a screen sheltering military aid to insurgents by other parties to the agreement against the lawful Spanish Government. The Soviet Government, therefore, is compelled to declare that if violation of tlrs agreement is not immediately discontinued it will consider itself released from all obligations under it.” The News-Chronicle says that Russia’s move is more drastic than expected. German, Italian and Portuguese representatives on the London Committee will probably demand time to communicate with their Governments, but it is stated that the Soviet will not tolerate delaying tactics. It is even asserted that she may follow up the decision without delay by coming out openly in support of the Madrid Government. A Rome message states that the Soviet’s move is described as unjustifiable as far as Italy is concerned. There has been no violation since the arms embargo was decreed. It is suggested that the Soviet is beginning to doubt the success of the Red cause, on which it counted.