NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE Spanish situation is unchanged on the military side and little changed on the diplomatic. The seat of .government has been definitely transferred to Barcelona, which may have, as it is no doubt intended to have, the effect of securing Catalonia's more active support for the Republican cause. General Franco has not yet moved /his troops from the conquered north to another theatre of war, nor is it certain whether when he does the theatre will ' be Aragon or Madrid. Meanwhile the Non-Intervention Committee in London has avoided deadlock without achieving anything spectacular in the way of progress. But since deadlock was expected on Tuesday that may be counted as something gained. What threatened to bar the road was M. Maisky's announcement that on certain parts of the resolution regarding the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain he would abstain from voting, and the refusal of Germany and Italy to accept a resolution that had not been carried unanimously. That obstacle has now been side- tracked, with the help of vague hints of concession by M. Maisky, and subject to the approval of the full committee this week both sides in Spain will be asked to assent to the committee's plan, which involves the despatch of com- missions to ascertain the number of foreign troops in Spain and arrange for their evacuation, belligerent rights being granted when evacuation has made substantial progress. The Republicans have already indicated agreement to the 'withdrawal of foreigners. General Franco's attitude is unknown.
