The Foreign Minister next took up the Spanish problem and referred to previous declarations by M. Leon Blum, Socialist leader and former Premier of France.
M. Blum had asserted that it was not enough to denounce non-intervention to aid the Spanish Republicans: it was necessary to draw upon French material reserves and troops.
Commenting on this, M. Bonnet said. "No one wants this to happen."
He also recalled the reply of the British Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, to the Labour leader. Mr. C. R. Attlee, when he refused to convoke Parliament and modify his non-intervention policy.
France had carried out her humane duties in sending Frs. 40,000,000 worth of wheat to Spain, he said. And he remarked that France had given shelter to 11,000 refugees.
At this point, the Foreign Minister's speech was interrupted by shouts of protest from the Communist benches. After a few moments, M. Bonnet was able to continue.
"The present Government, as ten predecessors, practise and will practise ihe non-intervention policy," he as serted, But he admitted that France should accomplish further humane works.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.