BRITAIN AND FRANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 127, 25 November 1938, Page 9

BRITAIN AND FRANCE

VIEWS ON GENERAL POLICY

INSPIRED BY DESIRE FOR PEACE

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) '(Received November 25, 12.45 p.m.)'

PARIS, November 24

Mr. Chamberlain, Lord Halifax, and Sir Eric Phipps arrived at the Quai d'Orsay for discussions with the French representatives at 10.15 a.m.

A further attempt at the formulation of an Anglo-French policy coupled with, general European appeasement was made with the opening of the official talks.

The Ministers met for five hours, with interruptions for lunch with President Lebrun and a dinner at the British Embassy.

A joint communique issued after the conversations stated

The visit gave an opportunity for an exchange of views on the principal questions of common interest, in- . eluding national defence and diplomatic action. The discussions made plain the complete identity of views on general policy of England and France, which are inspired by the same care for the maintenance and consolidation of . peace. CHANGING SITUATION. Mr. Chamberlain later said: "There is most complete agreement on general policy. We are determined to do all in our power to promote peace. It is particularly valuable that our Governments should have an opportunity of meeting, since the situation is always changing, and the taking of necessary measures for national defence is one of the steps we take to preserve peace in Europe. It is a particular satisfaction that the Franco-German agreement has been concluded. It has the same end as the agreement I signed Avith Herr Hitler.'' It was learned after the morning talks that the Ministers expressed the opinion that it is unwise at present to grant belligerent rights to General Franco; also that they discussed military co-operation, Far East questions, and the FrancoGerman declaration, with which Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax* expressed satisfaction. '

It is understood that the declaration includes a clause providing for mutual respect of treaties, enabling France to maintain her alliances with the Soviet and Poland.