France and the Spanish Question The debate in the French
Chamber on the Spanish ques- tion on Tuesday showed that France is profoundly alarmed at the prospect of a victory for General Franco; but alarm struggles with a deep-seated inclination to non-resistance which finds -its most effective spokesman in M. Flandin. " Non-intervention " is admitted to mean simply that Signor Mussolini must be allowed to assist General Franco to defeat the Spanish Government; but M. Flandin insists that this is the correct policy for France. M. Blum interrupted M. Flandin's speech to say that the policy of non-intervention could only be justified, by morality or expediency, if strictly observed by supporters of both sides in Spain; his speech was applauded by the Socialists, Communists and many Radicals, and it is possible that his demand for aid for the Spanish Government may even re-establish unity on the Left. Faced by these two points of view M Daladier is said to be, as usual, very worried; but it is clear that he will give no assistance at present to the Government. The real crisis in regard to Spain will again be postponed, and will depend on whether Signor Mussolini will, as he promises, help General Franco to win the war without seek- ing to make profit for himself from the victory.
