Statement authorised by the Prime Minister to be made to the National Executive of the Labour Party and the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, arising out of the National Council of Labour deputation at 10 Downing Street, on Tuesday, 24th January, 1939

              Mr. Tewson 
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
STATEMENT AUTHORISED BY THE PRIME MINISTER TO BE MADE TO THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OF THE LABOUR PARTY AND THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE TRADES UNION CONGRESS, ARISING OUT OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LABOUR DEPUTATION AT 10 DOWNING STREET, ON TUESDAY, 24TH JANUARY, 1939.
ARMS.
In the view of the Government, reversal of the policy of non-intervention would not have the effect the Labour Movement thinks, but would lead to an extension of the conflict.
SECURITY.
We have received specific assurances both from Mussolini and Hitler that they have no territorial aims in Spain.     These assurances were repeated on the recent visit to Rome.   If, in spite of these assurances, a victory of Franco were followed by the occupation of strategic points by the forces of any other country, a serious situation would arise; but we have no reason to disbelieve the assurances given to us.
MASSACRE.
The Government have already drawn General Franco's attention to the reports of intended massacres in case of victory, and expressed in the strongest terms our horror at such an idea and desire for assurances that nothing of the kind is intended.   [And] The Government representatives also spoke to Mussolini in Rome and the latter told them that he had on many occasions exercised his influence in that direction and he would continue to do so.
FOOD
The Government regard with complete sympathy the attempts which are being made to get food to the