Minutes (extract)

              National Council of Labour April 26 1938
40.
82.  SPAIN:
Sir Walter Citrine reported at length on the Joint Meeting of the International Federation of Trade Unions and the Labour and Socialist International representatives held in Paris on April 14th, when frank discussions had taken place with representatives of the French Socialist Party and a representative conveying the views of the Spanish Government. It had been indicated that the proportion of aeroplanes involved in the Spanish struggle were 12 in the possession of the Insurgents to one on the Government side. In the matter of artillery the proportion was as six to one, the Government especially lacking heavy artillery; their guns being of 6 and 7 centimetres as against the Insurgents 18 to 21 centimetres.
Very frank discussion had taken place regarding the impossibility of securing arms from either France or Great Britain owing to the persistence of the Non-Intervention policy.
On behalf of the British Delegation it had been pointed out that the Parliamentary Party had initiated some 14 Debates in Parliament during the nine weeks of the recent Session, and that over 200 questions on the Spanish issue had been placed on the Order Paper by Labour Members.
In addition to presenting this Report, Sir Walter stated that a Deputation from the General Council had waited upon Lord Halifax, the Foreign Secretary, on April 6th, when special representations had been made regarding the prospect of the killing of prisoners and hostages in certain eventualities of the campaign.
Very full discussion ensued, and eventually it was
RESOLVED:    "That the General Council of the Trades Union Congress and the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party be recommended to agree to the appointment of a Joint Deputation to the Prime Minister at an early date with a view to renewing representation regarding the continuance of the Non-Intervention Policy, and in particular in light of the terms of the Anglo-Italian Treaty."