RUSSIA AGREES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 274, 18 November 1937, Page 7

RUSSIA AGREES

NON-INTERVENTION PLAN OBJECTION WITHDRAWN NO REPLIES TO HAND YET FROM SPAIN [ British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Nov. 16. At to-day’s meeting of the NonIntervention Sub-Committee the Russian Ambassador, M. Maisky, announced that his Government now accepted in toto and without any reservations the plan adopted by the Full Committee on November 4. This announcement obviates the need for examination of the question of what practical measures might be required to meet the situation arising out of the fact that one Government refused to accept the provisions in the plan relating to belligerent rights —examination for which a second resolution passed on November 4 provided, and which would certainly have complicated the Committee's technical preparations for putting the plan into effect if and when it has been accepted by the two parties in Spain. The chairman intimated to-day that no reply has yet been received from either party. The Sub-Commit-tee received a full report regarding a substantial degree of progress achieved since the last meeting in the technical aspect of the three main parts of the plan, namely the withdrawal of volunteers, the granting of belligerent rights, and the restoration and strengthening of the observation scheme. These technical discussions were reported to be proceeding, and the Committee was informed that it was anticipated the technical reports on each of the three subjects would be available next week. Committee’s Satisfaction. After M. Maisky’s statement the chairman expressed the satisfaction of the Committee, and it was agreed that the two sides in Spain should be informed of the change in the Soviet’s attitude. M. Maisky made it clear that in withdrawing its reservations regarding belligerent rights the Soviet Government left, along with other Governments, its interpretation of the meaning to be attached to “substantial withdrawal” in the text of the plan until a proper and suitable time arrived for its .consideration. A further meeting of the Sub-Com-mittee is to be held early next week unless the replies from the Spanish parties are receive in the meantime, in which case the Sub-Committee might meet earlier. The resolution of November 5 provides for immediate approach to the Spanish parties to secure their concurrence in proposals, first, for the withdrawal under international supervision of all non-Spar.ish combatants; second, for the dispatch to each side in Spain of two Commissions to estimate the number of volunteers, to concert withdrawal arrangements with the Spanish authorities, and to carry out in a manner determined upon by the Non-Intervention Committee the withdrawal from both sides in accordance with the proportions of those serving on each side. In seeking the parties’ concurrence, it was agreed to inform them that each of the non-intervention Powers will grant them belligerent rights according to the British plan—that is, after withdrawals have made substantial progress and are proceeding satisfactorily. The resolution further provided, first, that as from a date to be determined by the Non-Intervention Committee shortly before the withdrawal of non-SpanUh nationals begins, observation on the FrancoSpanish and Portuguese-Spanish frontiers should be restored and strengthened simultaneously with the adoption of measures to strengthen the sea observation scheme; and second, that each of the participating Governments should reaffirm its existing engagements not to permit the dispatch from or transit through or over its territories of arms or war material covered by the Non-Interven-tion Agreement or of non-Spanish nationals proposing to proceed for the purpose of taking part in the conflict. REBEL SPAIN FIRST BRITISH AGENT. Received Nov. 17, 11.5 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 17. A message from San Sebastian says that the insurgent authorities have been officially notified that Sir Robert Hodgson has been appointed the first British agent in Franco's Spain. ATTACK BY ’PLANES BARECLONA SHIP’S S.O.S. BARCELONA, Nov. 16. An S.O.S. to non-intervention warships, believed to be from the Cardium, saying that she was attacked by ’planes 120 miles south of the Balearics, was picked up by the Barcelona owners, who confirm that the Cardium is in that vicinity.