Another Deadlock Threatened

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 23, 20 October 1937, Page 5

Another Deadlock Threatened

- Press Assti -

SPANISH PROBLEM WitKdrawal of Volunteers and Belligerent Rights WHICH FIRST?

IBj Teloeraph

-Conyright.i

(Received 20, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 19. A. deadlock again appears to have ihreatened tlie Non-Intervention Committee, to-day 's meeting revealifig that the Soviet, the Italians and the Germans are in tlie same position as in July, when they clashed on tlie pqint whetker belligerent rights should precede the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain. Th# British Foreign Minister, Mr Anthony Eden, in reviewing the discusiions before the adjourhment, pointed cut that the Soviet had adhered to the Tiew that the granting of belligerent rights nrast be dependent on the withdrawal of all volunteers. Italy wanted those rights granted before the withdrawal of any volunteers, but was yillyng to submit to the parties in the Spanish conflict. Mr. Eden said that he appreciated the goodwill shown to-day, but the questipn rematned of how to bridge the gap. The situation was /erious. It would not he wise to adjourn siue die before reaching an agreement. Signor Orandi Springs Surprise. Soon after the meeting opened Signor firandi (Italy) eprang a eurprise by mggesting that the committee revert to .ihe British proposal of July, on which be did not think the French plan was any improvement. . Herr* Woermann (Germany) warmly enpported Signor Grandi, but Ozechoglovakia, Belgium and Sweden supported the French plan. The Portuguese delegate stressed the desixability of belligerent rights to Franco as early as possibls, and added that Portugal was prepared to reinstate frontiOr control provided France took eimjlar action in ihe Pyrenees. M. Maisky (Soviet) said that the French proposals meant continuation of the same policy. There was no guarantee bf greater efficacy or provision for effective control. 4 Acceptance of tho propqsals would only create an opportunity for further endless discussion, nnder cover pf which the eupply of arrns mnd men to the rebels would continue. The Soviet, therefore, regretted that Jt eonld not accept the slightegt degree of responsibility for such a policy^ which had already proved its worthlessness, and which detrimentally and iniquitously reacted on the legitimate Spanish Government, but if the British. French and other Governments still helieved there was a posgibility of euccess the Soviet dkt not intend to create any difficulties.