In conclusion, M. Flandin declared that public opinion in France wes unanimous in opposing Italy's pretentions. In the event of a conflict the probabilities of lesser resistance of certain regimes woukt work in France's favour.
With regard to the Spanish problem, M. Flendin advocated a policy of strict neutrality. Such a policy, he said, together with humanitarian assistance for both sides, would have won for France the gratitude of the whole Spanish people.
"The fect that some other foreign Power intervened is no reason for us to make the same mistake," he added.
At this stage, M. Leon Blum, former Premier and leader of the Socialist Party, interrupted M. Flandin amidst cheers from Leftist benches. He recalled that France faithfully complied with the policy of non-intervention for eighteen months, and that he himself never concealed his sympathy for the Republicans.
"Non-intervention means that France is refraining from interfering in order to obtain a victory for the Republicans on condition that the totalitarian states refrain from intervening on the other side," he said. "To do otherwise would have been mere hypocrisy.
M. Blum recalled that France had Spsin, enter into negotiations to secure his neutrality in future in exchange for our present neutrality, and prepare for a resumption of economic relations between both countries which would equally benefit them," M. Flandin continued.
He then stressed "the collapse of the collective security system, and the fact thst France should remain aloof from Central European questions where other countries more directly interested, such as Soviet Russia, should defend their own interests and themselves."
The Rightist Deputy, M. Pierre Taittinger, expressed similar views and advocated the dispatch of a French representative to Burgos.
M. Raymond Rothore, a Radical-Socialist, on the contrary, emphasized that the Pyrenean borders should be reopened at once unless Italian volunteers are withdrawn from Spain.—
Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.