SCOPE OF THE INQUIRY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 300, 2 October 1935, Page 5

SCOPE OF THE INQUIRY.

NO DOUBT AS TO THE REPLY.

OTHER, POWERS CONCERNED

(Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, October 1.

The report that the British. Government has addressed a question to the

French Government regarding the attitude of France in certain eventualities was confirmed in London to-day.

It is understood that the inquiry had regard to the possibility of isolated attack by some party to the dispute before the League of Nations on a member of the League which had made clear its loyalty to the obligations under the Covenant. In the event of an isolated attack on Britain as a result oi her declarations in support of League principles, woidd the Fi'ench Government consider a situation had arisen analogous to that foreseen in Paragraph 3 of Article XVI. of the Covenont, in which members agree that once action under that article has been taken “they will mutually support one another in resisting any special measures aimed at one of their number by the covenant-breaking State,” and in such circumstances would it be understood that all members of the League stood together? In 'London little doubt is entertained as to the French reply, but there will be no surprise if there is some little delay in making it, as it is appreciated that the Premier (M. Laval) will wish. to consult the French Cabinet.

• Although the British Government’s question relates specifically to action against Britain, it is intended to clarify the situation in which other Powers, as has been made known to the British delegation at Geneva in recent weeks, have similar preoccupations.—British Official Wireless.