Non-Intervention Endeavours As the intensity of the Spanish conflict develops
the importance of maintaining the non-intervention agree- ment increases. So far the agreement has worked reasonably well, though no one pretends that no supplies have been reaching either side from external sources. Germany and Italy will be tempted to go to great lengths to prevent .the victory of the Government, and Russia to prevent the victory of General Franco. The situation io in some respects less dangerous than it was, for the fact that the non-intervention arrangements have been in operation for six weeks and more has sensibly cased the tension. But the real test of the agreement may be still to come, and the elaborate plan for the appointment of neutral observers at every point of importance on the Spanish coast and on the country's land frontiers is by no means too ambitious a project to be justified.. But obstacles will be utunerous. The agreement of both parties to any plan of supervision on the spot would be necessary, and there arc serious doubts whether that would be forthcoming. The recognition of General Franco by Germany and Italy does not change the military situation and there is no reason why—unless it produces reactions by Russia—it should affect the work of the non-intervention committee. But such separate action emphasises the divisions in Europe.
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