The Struggle For Peace

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the course of what I am to say I shall be able to take up, at
any rate, a portion of them as I pass from one part of the
subject to another. In the brief speech which I propose to
make upon the more salient points in the international situa-
tion, I shall hope to make clear in each case that what the
Government have kept constantly before them is that main
fundamental aim and that policy which I began by describing
to the House. The right hon. Gentleman paid an eloquent
tribute to the magnificent response which was recently accorded
to the King and Queen on their visit to France. I would like
to associate myself with what the right hon. Gentleman said.
I do not think I recall such unanimity among all classes and all
parties in France as was displayed on that occasion, and while
no doubt it was largely due to the personal bearing and charm
of the Royal guests, one may ascribe it in large measure to
the consciousness that our two democratic nations are
united closely together by common interests and common
ideals.
" The unity which exists between France and ourselves is
the more happy because I think it is generally recognised that
it is not directed against any other nation or combination of
Nations. It is in itself a solid buttress of peace. That unity
was strengthened and confirmed by conversations which
took place between my Noble Friend and the French Ministers
in Paris. The right hon. Gentleman asked me to tell him what
took place in those conversations. An official communique
has been issued which gives the substance of them, and I
really do not think there is anything more that I can tell the
House, because there is no mystery about them. There
has been no new undertaking, no new commitment on either
side. There was a general discussion of all matters of common
interest to the two countries, and there was general and
complete agreement upon them. With that, I think, the House
may be fairly satisfied.
" If I may turn to France's unhappy neighbour it is a matter
of profound regret that one cannot see the prospect of a speedy
termination of that terrible struggle which is daily destroying
the best of Spain's life and dissipating the resources which
will be so sorely needed when the combatants lay down their
arms. There is no need for any appeal to be made to this