HEATED EXCHANGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 244, 27 July 1937, Page 5

HEATED EXCHANGE

ITALY AND SOVIET. NON-INTERVENTION PROBLEM. BELLIGERENT RIGHTS QUESTION. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 26. Heated exchanges marked an unusually tense session of the Non-Inter-vention Committee. Signor Grandi (Italy) complained bitterly that Italy’s attitude had been misrepresented in the press, especially that of France. Italy simply wished to discuss points of the British plan in the order that they were submitted. She was willing to accept Point 7, relating to the withdrawal of volunteers, if and when the other Powers acceded to Points 1 to 6, relating to belligerent rights and the control system. Others aimed at wrecking the British plan but were lacking the courage to do so openly. They hoped to push the responsibility on to somebody else. Signor Grandi then made a veiled attack on Russia, accusing her of delaying the work of the committee with the object of helping the “Reds” and embittering the, relations of the great Mediterranean Powers. Italy considered that too much time had already been squandered in useless discussions. Italy was prepared at every meeting to reply to every point of the British proposals, provided other delegates did the same. M. Maisky (Russia) caused consternation in the committee, declaring that the Soviet would in no circumstances agree to granting belligerent rights to General Franco, but it is believed he spoke in the heat of discussion and did not necessarily convey the Soviet’s final word.—British Official Wireless. M. Corbin (France, resenting Signor Grandi’s attack on the French press, retorted that it had not been muzzled but enjoyed freedom of opinion. It could not be cowed into uniformity like the Italian press. The chairman (the Earl of Plymouth), replying to, Signor Grandi, pointed out that Britain set no store by the order in which the points appeared.