Minutes (extract)

              -NCL 23
21 Oct 1936 
70.
133. SPANISH SITUATION:
Mr. Attlee reported that following the decision of the Labour Party Conference at Edinburgh he had interviewed the Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon. Anthony Eden, M.P., with regard to the operation of the Non-Intervention Agreement and the allegations that had been made regarding its infringement by the Fascist Powers. He had been assured that enquiries were being made and that the Non-Intervention Committee were awaiting replies from the Governments affected.
Mr. Attlee also reported that subsequently he had addressed a request to the Prime Minister urging that Parliament should be re-called at an earlier date than was anticipated, in order to have an opportunity for a Special Debate on the operation of the Non-Intervention Pact; but had that day received a reply from Mr. Baldwin declining to accept the suggestion, but indicating that there would be an opportunity of debating the Spanish position when the House of Commons met on October 29th.
It was reported that the following telegram had been received from Senor Del Vayo, the Commissioner General for War for the Spanish Government, that morning. 
"Madrid, October 21st, 1936, 2.18 a.m."
"The Secretary, National Joint Council of Labour Transport House, London."
"At this decisive moment for Spain, and for Europe when the enemy, not by their own strength, but exclusively by their use of armed aid from abroad are directing their principal drive against Madrid the Spanish People greet all those workers and free men of England who in the spirit of justice are prepared to declare themselves against the monstrosity of the present situation. I do not believe that there has been in the history of modern Europe a parallel example of an international situation so scandalous and so suicidal.  Even now in the last week while the examination of the charges brought by the Spanish Government has been in progress the rebels received on October 15th at Cadiz a new cargo of arms, including tanks and flame throwers sent to them by their foreign allies exactly as though the Non-Intervention Agreement and the Committee of Control did not exist.  Madrid will not fall because the workers of Madrid and the whole people of Madrid is decided to defend the City.  But it is the violations of the pact of Non-Intervention and they alone which are responsible for the prolongation of the war and for all the blood which is being spilled in Spain as a result of the