ARMS FOR SPAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20492, 7 May 1938, Page 6

ARMS FOR SPAIN

The report that the Government at Washington has decided to support a resolution lifting the embargo on the shipment of arms to Spain is of first importance. The United States authorities have taken no part in the non-intervention conferences or policies, and many leading men in the Republic have contended that the neutrality laws did not apply because Spain was not at war with any country. The same contention has been made with regard to the struggle in the Far East, where war has not yet been declared. To many supporters of the Government in Spain the decision will appear to have come too late in the day. Had it been made when the Government forces controlled the ports on the northern coast it might have proved a turning point in the conflict, but to-day the Government forces hold only a few- ports in the Mediterranean and they are frequently raided by insurgent aircraft. The Franco forces would be able to draw on American supplies if required, but the acquisition of arms and munitions would be of greater importance to the Government because they have had difficulty in obtaining supplies while their opponents could draw on both Germany and Italy.

A point of interest and importance is the effect that su'ch a decision must have on the non-intervention movement. Both Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini will be presented with problems. Already the struggle in Spain has constituted a drain on resources, especially in the ease of Italy, and if it should be proved that American supplies could reach the Government bases at Barcelona or Valencia, then - either the measure of support to General Franco would have to be increased or the insurgent leader be left to his own resources. In Catalonia the Government still has a powerful reserve of manpower, and the success achieved in holding up the insurgent drive for Barcelona showed that the strength of the defensive forces was still a factor. Given an adtqiate air force the authorities at Valencia could make the position of the insurgents difficult. The bases in the Balearic Islands would be open to attack from the air, and some of the large bases in what may be called Franco territory would be within easy range. It might not be an easy matter to bring the United States into what hitherto has been a purely European movement to ensure non-intervention. The opposition to any entanglements in Europe is still very strong on the' other side of the Atlantic, vet if both sides in the terrible struggle can obtain arms and munitions from that country, the whole purpose of the non-intervention plan will be defeated. This may be the reply of the United States to the pending reversion of policy by Great Britain and other countries of non-recognition of territorial changes made by force. It so, then the authorities in London will have to face the position. Should the report be officially confirmed there will be no little disturbance in the dovecots of Europe.