SOVIET OBJECTS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 26, 23 October 1937, Page 5

SOVIET OBJECTS

-Press Assn.

The Spanish Plan serious obstacle Italy Demands Unanimity Before Agreeing BELLIGERENT RIGHTS

(By Telesraph-

— Copyrigtii.)

(Received 23, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 22. To-day 's proceedings of the NonIntervention Sub-Oommittee clearly showed that serious obstacles to agreement still remained. The Italian, German and Portuguese representatives iuBisted on the unanimity of all members cf the committee, but it ie apparent that the Soviet may be a stumblingblock. The draft resolution comprises slx main points: First; withdrawal under international supervision of all non-Spaniards. Second, arrangements for the iminediate withdrawal of a token number of non-Spaniards from both sides. Third, despatch of two commissions to Spain. Fourtb, the question of determining conditions under which lixnited belligerent righte would be granted. Fifth, reaffirmation by the participating countries of the decision not to permit the dispateh of volunteers to Spain. Sixth, reinstitution and strengthening of lan.d and sea contrdl. Count Grandi (Italy) reaffirmed Italy 's acceptance of the British plan "provided all members of the sub-com-mittee accepted equally with Italy." He urged the desirability of ascertaining whether the plan consisted of a solentn engagement by all Governments. M. Maisky (Russia) then took up "the unenviable position of bringing the discussion back to re&lity." Ample

experience had shown, he said, that the Italian proposals were merely a further device for sending more troops to Spain. M. Maisky said that the Soviet could not accept the political responsibilit}' of accepting the proposals, but had no objection to the despatch of commissions provided that there was no delay in reporting to the Non-Intervention Committee The Soviet regarded the proposed token withdrawal of 1000 from each side as unfair, as they should be in proportionate numbers. Questioued b> Mr. Eden, M. Maisky said that the Soviet was still not prepared to grant belligerent rights before the withdrawal of all volunteers. Contrastiag With his attitude on October 19, when he gave an assurance that the Soviet wo-uld not hinder other nations from carrying out their plans; M. Maisky to-day declared that the Soviet could not simply become an observer but must participate in the work of the committee. It has thus become apparent that the Soviet did not intend, even though a minority of one, to allow the rest of the committee to work the scheme, Mr. Eden thereupon remarked that it hardly seemed wortliwhile wasting time in continuing. M. Maisky said: "I disapprove of the principle, but I might agree to the particulars." Precisely what M. Maisky meant is not clear. Mr. Eden then decided to continue consideration of the draft. Count Grandi produced a counter draft resolution from which some points were embodied in the final draft. Another difficulty still unsettled is whether the parties should be bound by the figures produced by tho two commissions to Spain. Italy, Germany, and Portugal indicated that tli6y would not be bound. All Governments are now being asked to state their attitude and alternativo •proposals.