Discussions with Rome • On the very eve of the
publication of the withdrawal plan there appeared a characteristic statement by Signor Mussolini once again affirming the active intervention of Italian troops in the Spanish war—one more, in fact, of those utterances which make it hard for Italy to withdraw from Spain till Franco has won. Yet Italy eagerly awaits the bringing into effect of the Anglo-Italian Agreement which was conditional upon a " settlement of the Spanish question as a pre-requisite." Mr. Chamberlain has re- affirmed his intention of completing the agreement only when this condition has been satisfied—that is to say, when the withdrawal scheme is well under way. This question was again the subject of discussion last Monday between Count Ciano and Lord Perth, the British Ambassador in Rome—and it may be assumed that the main point of dis- cussion was, how far must the process of Spanish withdrawal under the Non-intervention scheme have been carried before Britain will be prepared to complete the agreement. The question of " how far " is vital. There would be deep resentment in this country if, after the withdrawal of a certain number of Italian troops, the Agreement was signed, and subsequently fresh obstacles were created in Spain which held up the whole scheme of evacuation and non- intervention.
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