OFFICE RESIGNED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 9

OFFICE RESIGNED

DUCHESS OF ATHOLL ALLEGED BRITISH FAILURE IN SPAIN [ British Official Wireless.] Received April 29, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, April 28. The Duchess of Atholl has written to the Prime Minister resigning from the National Government as Whip. The reason is the failure, in her view, of the Government to take adequate steps to secure the withdrawal of Italian troops from Spain before the signature of the Italian pact, or take action with the other Powers to safeguard peace in Central Europe and on the shores of the North Sea—all matters which she feels vitally concern the safety of the country.

The Duchess reaffirms her Conser vative principles.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S REPLY

[ British Official Wireless.] Received April 29, 9.40 p.m. RUGBY, April 28,

Mr Chamberlain, in reply to the Duchess of Atholl’s letter of resignation states that all the reports sent to him and to the Foreign Office oy the Duchess reporting the alleged arrival in Spain of Italian troops and material have been found either to be entirely incorrect or so improbable as to have affirmed the virtual certainty that they were incorrect. He could not accept the contention that Italy had not fulfilled the condition indicated. It was true that no withdrawal of Italian troops had yet taken place, but “it was never demanded or expected of Italy that she should effect unilateral withdrawal.” The policy oi non-intervention, he said, was originally and had since been continuously applied by Britain in an entirely impartial manner and he could not agree that it had benefited one side more than the other.

Mr Chamberlain, dealing with the Duchess’ complaint that non-inter-vention had prevented Spain from buying arms, pointed out that some Governments already had recognised General Franco's administration and added: “If His Majesty’s Government were Io depart from the policy ot non-intervention, their action would almost certainly be followed by an immediate increase in the arms supplied, not to one but to both sides. In that event a situation would arise fraught, in my opinion, with the greatest danger to the peace of Europe. I am satisfied that the interests of fair play have not suffered througn the policy of non-intervention in Spain.”