“FANTASTIC FIGURES”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 249, 20 October 1937, Page 7

“FANTASTIC FIGURES”

ITALIANS IN SPAIN OFFICIAL DEMAL IN ROME THE TRUTH—4O,OOO MANY MORE ON OTHER SIDE (By Te'etrraph—Prera Association—Copyright) Received Oct. 19, 5.5 p.m. ROME, Oct. 18. An official statement declares that absolutely fantastic figures creating dangerous hysteria and war psychosis are being given abroad regarding Italian volunteers in Spain and that accordingly it is advisable to state officially that the volunteers number about 40,000, including supply services. This, it is stated, is the truth, and there is no fear of denials from any quarter. The volunteers with the Government forces total many more.

The statement specifically refers to Mr Lloyd George’s declaration on October 17 as grave and scandalous in a former Premier, whose age should recommend care. It adds: “It is time these shameless manoeuvres were ended, enabling peaceful study of the situation. There are at present no illusions regarding the good faith of Italy’s opponents.” The statement has caused a sensation in foreign diplomatic circles. Well-informed people detect the Duce’s style in the bitterness of the outburst, preceding the new non-in-tervention meeting, although officials subsequently stated that it was not intended to hinder the work of the committee.

Speaking at Carnarvon, Mr Lloyd George said: “As one of the senior Privy Councillors whose duty to his sovereign country is to give such advice as his experience indicates, I urge Mr Eden fearlessly to take the course his conscience dictates, whatever his colleagues may say. When he tires of being bullied and stands up for what he really believes he will be the biggest man in Britain.” He added that non-intervention was a cruel, lying sham. Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler had sent 100,000 men to Spain, and the Italians weekly were sending troops ostensibly to Libya, but many were going to Spain.

SPANISH RETORT 110,000 ITALIANS government information LONDON, Oct. 18. The Spanish Embassy, replying to the announcement in Rome, says that the Government has information that there are 110,000 Italians in Spain. SCOFFS'AT VALENCIA 15,000 FOREIGNERS WITH REFVBIJCANS VALENCIA, Oct. 18. Commentators scoff at Count Grandi's token of withdrawal, as foreigners fighting for the Government total at most 15,000, compared with General Franco’s 110,000. ENGAGEMENT AT SEA INSURGENT SHIP SEIFERS GIBRALTAR, Oct. 18. The insurgent gunboat Dato is reported to have arrived at Cadiz, with many dead and wounded after an engagement with a Government destroyer.