Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1937-10-18

Might Agree to Troop With
drawaI, Then Let Franco
Refuse, Observers Say.
ey the Associated Press.

HN ttf hASbtihttu tifsSs
LONDON, October 1S.--Italy and
Germany today held an ace which in
formed sources said may enable them
to gain another diplomatic victory
In the Spanish civil war non-inter-
vention crisis.
Observers said Premier Benito Mus
eolini of Italy and Chancellor Adolf
Hitler of Germany can agree to the
Anglo-French plan for withdrawal
Of foreign volunteers from Spanish
armies and then let insurgent Cen
eralissimo Francisco Franco scrap the
plan by refusing to call off his for
eign fighters.
Thus, they said, Germany and Italy
were in position which might permit
them to prolong discussion over the
problem and evade blame in the
event that non-intenvention machin-
cry collapses. The non-intervention
subcommittee is to meet Tuesday in
London
Cabinet Meeting Held.
Prime Minister Neville Chamber
lain presided at cabinet meeting
called primarily to consider prospec-
tive parliamentary legislation. A
committee of experts. meanwhile, took
up proposals to reinforce the neu-
tralitv committees control on SPANS
French and Portuguese borders and
to abolish all forms of sea control
except observation by neutral agents,
1t was pointed out that although
Franco orally has agreed to with
drawal of foreign soldiers he has
done so with a reservation. He has
stipulated equal withdrawap of
foreigners from both insurgent and
central government forces, as pro-
posed Saturday by Italy.
British diplomatic quarters, how
ever, indicated Great Britain will ask
for withdrawal of five men from the
insurgent side to every man called
out of government ranks. This ratio
was worked out, it was stated, on the
British belief that 100 900 foreigners
are fighting with insurgents and only
10000 for the central government.
III ItQlilC lilC 1AOlliOOA Va At0i4eti
volunteers in Spain was put at
about 10000, including both COM
hatants and non combatantS, to-
day by the semi official diploma
tic information" edited by the Of
fetal tStefanD News Agency.
A special bulletin was issued
10 combat what were called fan
,tIlaIiclNod O broad
Of the 10000 it said: This is
the truth which fears no denial
from any source-verified and veri-
fable" adding that "Valencia's
volunteers are much more nu-
merous."l
Effect of Refusal.
Informed sources indicated that if
Franco refuses to permit withdrawal
of foreign volunteers, Britain and
France will resume full liberty of
action" and sell arms to the Spanish
government. But unless Britain and
France abandon their policy of ''ju-
dicious leaving alone, resumption OF
liberty of action would take time,
which, weather permitting. Franco
might try to use for decisive mill
tary campaign.
Some quarters indicated Franco
would welcome a chance to get his
Italian troops out of Spain in the fear
that If they remain they would seize
the rewards of victory.
The same quarters said. however.
that it was doubtful that Franco would
be able to stand out against Mussolinl
and Hitler If they decide he can make
their lot easier against France and
Britain in the on-intervention Com
mittee.
Delegates Problems.
When delegates return tomorrow
they are likely to center on two
points: Anglo-French insistence that
q substantial number of foreign vol
unteers be withdrawn before consid-
Grafton of belligerent rights for Franco,
and insistence on withdrawal of vol
unteers in number proportional to
those serving on each side.
A high italian official in Rome eX-
pressed Italys readiness to cooperate
in efforts to recall foreign volunteers
from Spain. In London and Paris,
informed persons said Britain and
France were ready to grant belligerent
rights to both factions in the Spanish
conflict. These two developments led
to predictions that definite progress
would be made toward a settlement.
Diplomatic sources said, however,
that it is mistake to conclude the
situation is the same as it was before
the committee reconvened. In the in
term. Frances troops marched tri-
hmphantly into Santander and even
men in the British foreign Office no
longer talk about whether Franco will
WHY, tho uar hlIt-Whpn