In all probability some time will elapse be-diplomatic relativity cannot be accepted: by any who look forward to the ultimate settlement of the many problems which afflict the world.
The report that Mr. Chamberlain will suggest to Signor Mussolini mediation in the Spanish Civil War with the idea of restoring the monarchy with Don Juan, ex-King Alfonso's youngest son as king is an interesting one. Ex-King Alfonso himself has expressed his willingness to return to Spain as ruler should he: be invited, which indicates that he is still not without some hopes that he, or his family will one day regain their former estate. Whether Don Juan would accept such an offer to the exclusion of his father is naturally open to some doubt, but there is little reason to believe that in Europe generally, and in a large part of Spain the restoration of the monarchy would prove popular. It has to be remembered on the other hand that that sentiment which forced the original abdication has not died out, though there are probably very many Spaniards, realizing the hard time through [which their country has passed since the establishment of the republic, who would welcome a monarchy based not upon the old conceptions, but assuming a nature more in keeping with the progress of political thought in the country. Thus a constitutionally limited monarchy might, in the circumstances, be the best thing for Spain, and bring to it a period of peace in which the very necessary work of rehabilitation might be prosecuted to success. There is some hope that such a scheme might find favour in the eyes of 1!
Duce, for the latter in 1934 was reported as having expressed himself as favouring the replacement of the republic by a regency which might pave the way for a complete restoration of the monarchy. That such a proposal has received enthusiastic support in Britain is perfectly comprehensible. The fact that the British and Spanish royal families are related might have a very profound effect upon future Anglo-Spanish relations, and modify what would at present appear to be future tendencies. That, however, may operate against the scheme in the eyes of the Dictator states, for no matter what they may have said in the past the doctrine of "infirm realities" permits of the conclusion that their intention is to wield paramount influence in the new government which it is sought to set up.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.