OPINIONS DIFFER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 182, 3 July 1937, Page 9

OPINIONS DIFFER

POLICY IN SPAIN. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE. COUNTER-PLAN SUBMITTED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received July 3, 12.20 p.in. RUGBY, July 2.

As a result of to-day’s meeting of the Non-intervention Sub-Coniriiittee it is clear that, while no breakdown has occurred, a marked difference of opinion and principle exists between the Italians, Germans, and to some extent tlie Portuguese, on the one side, and tlie other six members oi tlie committee.

It lias lieeu decided to circulate a statement containing a full report of to-day's proceedings to all the 27 members of the full committee in order that those who are not members of the sub-committee may report on tlie procedure to their Governments, and there seems a probability that a plenary session will be summoned next week.

Opening this morning’s meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, Lord Plymouth reviewed tho FrancoBritisli offer to take over tlie whole of the naval control scheme and have neutral observers on their patrolling warships as an assurance that the work would be performed impartially. Ho said that a few months ago all the Powers had agreed that naval supervision was an essential part of the scheme and Britain had seen no reason to change her view. The suggestion that belligerent rights should be granted to the two parties in Spain was not acceptable, and the British Government’s view was that non-inter-vention could continue to function only if there was a complete scheme. A COUNTER PLAN. Herr von ltibbentrop (Germany) supported by Uount Grandi (Italy) then put forward a counter-proposal, j.i s stated that the German and Italian Governments were firmly resolved to maintain the principle of nonintervention, but they could not accept the Anglo-French proposal. They suggested Lhat belligerent rights should be granted to the two sides in Spain, for then all the European Powers would add to their obligations as signatories of the non-intervention agreement the duties incumbent on neutral States according to the principles of international law, adapted to tlie special situation in Spain. They also suggested that the observation of land frontiers, as well as tlie supervision in ports, and with observers in ships flying the flag of the non-intervention countries should be maintained.

In tlie discussion which followed, the representatives of Belgium, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and Russia expressed the willingness of their Governments to accept the Anglo-French proposal. The French Ambassador (M. Corbin) and Lord Plymouth criticised the partial nature of the German and lLalian suggestions, which were clearly unacceptable.' Count Grandi then recalled that at the previous meeting when the AngloFrench proposal was first put forward he and the German Ambassador had criticised it. but had consented to refer it to their respective Governments. He asked that a similar course he adopted in regard to the German-Ttalian plan. Lord Plymouth as chairman, agreed to this suggestiiki. while again emphasising that he saw no likelihood of the British Government changing its view as to its obligations.