A SETTLEMENT IN SPAIN
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—There is one point in the article " Mr. Chamberlain's Next Steps " in The Spectator dated December 16th which appears to be an unjust criticism of the Prime Minister.
With regard to the Anglo-Italian agreement it is implied that our Government made a stipulation " that the agreement should not operate till a settlement of the Spanish problem had been reached."
I am under the impression that Mr. Chamberlain stated, at the time the agreement was negotiated, that the agreement was to come into force when the Government was satisfied that the Spanish Civil War was no longer a danger to the peace of Europe, that, when announcing that the agreement was to be signed, Mr. Chamberlain stated that it was the Government's opinion that this condition had been fulfilled. To my know- ledge no Government spokesman has ever stated that a " settle-
ment " in Spain was to be a condition of the operation of the agreement.
While it must be a matter of opinion whether Spain continues to be a danger to the peace of Europe, I would suggest that, if I am correct as regards the Government's condition for the operation of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, the implied criticism of Mr. Chamberlain in this connexion in the article referred to is unjust.—Yours faithfully, J. T. CHAPPEL. 26 Collingham Gardens, S.W.5.
[The actual words of the letter of Lord Perth to Count Ciano, which formed an integral part of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, were " I hardly need to remind your Excellency that His Majesty's Government regard a settlement of the Spanish question as a prerequisite of the entry into force of the agree- ment between our two Governments."—ED. The Spectator.]
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