NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE diplomatic aspect of the Spanish situation still' completely overshadows the military. _ AS to the :actual operations, they have left things almost precisely Where they were a week ago. By far the most encouraging feature of the ' situation' is the acceptance of the principle of non-intervention by all the Great Powers of Europe, and the actual prohibition of the export of munitions to Spain ' by Germany (whose decision was announced unexpectedly on . Monday) as well as by- Great 'Biitain,' France and Belgium. Russia and Italy have "given. what appear to be .satisfactory assurances but - haVe not .Yet. actually imposed a pro- hibition. The adhesion of Portugal, whose Government is in sympathy with the rebels, is essential, for large consignments of supplies have been going by way of Lisbon to the insurgent forces, and our own and other Governments are rightly pressing the Portuguese to come quickly into line with the Great Powers. It will be necessary to take whatever steps are possible to assure the loyal execution of non-intervention pledges, and France, to whose initiative the whole project is due, is proposing the creation of a joint committee to supervise the working of the agreement (when a formal agreement is reached ; so far there are only declarations by individual Governments) and deal with complaints of violation or non-execution. That seems a wise and necessary step. The independent proposal of the diplomatists now congregated at Hendaye that a joint appeal be made to Loth sides in Spain to conduct their war on something approaching civilised lines is admirable, but not hopeful.
