In January, 1937, after difficult ne-Rotiations, Britain had signed the Mediterranean Agreement and, within a few days, more Italians had been sent to Spain while the propaganda continued.
After the Prime Minister had exchanged letters with Signor Mussolini, there was a temporary improvement. Soon afterwards, however, there were events in the Mediterranean with which the House was familiar, and the head of the Italian Government had glorified the victories of the Italian forces in Spain.
He submitted that Great Britain ought not to risk a repetition of these disillusioning experiences. He wished, therefore, before opening conyers sations with Italy, to have an agreement not only on the principles of the
but on the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain. detailed conditions of withdrawal They were in the presence of progressive deterioration of the respect for international obligations and attempts to secure political designs by forcible means.
"Time to Stand Firm"
"This is the moment for this country to stand firm." (Cheers)
"This country," Mr. Eden went on. "should not plunge into negotiations unprepared and with the full knowledge that the chief obstacle had not been resolved and because one party indicated that it is now or never."
This was not the sole issue between himself and the Prime Minister, Mr. Eden declared.
"Within the past few weeks, he said. upon one of the most important decisions of Britain's foreign policy. which did not concern Italy at all, their difference was fundamental, and Mr. Chamberlain, he knew, was conscious of it. There had been a difference in outlook and method.
Unity in the Government should be restored at the earliest possible moment.
Continuing Mr. Eden declared; "Of late the conviction has grown steadily upon me that there has been too keen a desire on our part to make terms with others rather than that others should make terms with us.
This has never been the attitude of this country in the past, and it should not, in the interests of peace be our attitude to-day.
"I do not believe that we can make progress in European appeasement, more particularly in the light of events of the past few days—and these events must surely be present in all our minds—if we allow the impression to gain currency abroad that we yield to constant pressure." (Cheers).
"I am certain in my own mind that progress depends, above all, on the temper of a nation, and that temper must find expression in a firm spirit, Mr. Eden concluded. "That spirit, I am confident, is there, and not to give voice to it is, I believe, fair neither to this country nor to the world."
Lord Cranborne intimated that he had resigned because he was in the fullest agreement with every word uttered by Mr. Eden.
He added that the Italian Government had done none of the things it could have done as guarantees, and to enter official conversations would be regarded not as a contribution to peace, but as a surrender to blackmail. (Loud cheers).
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.