It was probably a mistake on the part of the
Labour Party to spend so much time attacking the decision to send commercial agents to those Spanish territories which are now under the control of General Franco. Even under present conditions our merchants still continue to carry on a substantial trade with this section of Spain. There seems to be no special reason why the despatch of such agents should lead on to the granting of belligerent rights or diplomatic recognition. Mr. Alexander did his best to cast suspicion on the motives underlying this new departure, but the Foreign Secretary had no great difficulty in replying effectively. It was, however, a blunder when he declared that " hon. gentlemen opposite wish we were fighting now," and no one was surprised at the resentment which this taunt involved. Our debates on foreign affairs, now so frequent, would gain considerably if the respective parties would cease to accuse each other of wanting war. Government supporters may be justified in declaring that their opponents live in a world of unrealities. But they should remember that it was only, two years ago that they themselves were standing before the electors as the champions of the Covenant and of strict enforcement of international law.
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