4 SEPTEMBER 1936, Page 18

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—You quote inter arena

leges silent in palliation of the Spanish Government's failure to control its followers or to prevent atrocities. But the lack of control and the murder of political opponents, and the burning of churches began long before the outbreak of war and were the true cause of this war.

The facts are correctly stated in your admirable leading article, " The Defence of Democracy." It is, as you imply, not only cant, but mischievous cant, to represent this most uncivil war as a struggle between Fascism and democracy..

Many of your readers will be grateful to you for publishing your leading article and Colonel Butler's admirable summary of the present situation in Spain.—Yours truly,