EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 96, 4 February 1936, Page 6

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

BRITISH PLANS OUTLINED INFLUENCE OF EUROPEAN SITUATION. Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, February 2. “The British Government wins a a total trained force throughout the L - pire of 500,000 men equallm t armv the Germans will possess m the spring of 1936,” says the diplomatic correspondent of “The Sunday Observer,” pointing out that while tl talks of Visiting diplomats pronroceeding in London, the Cabinet is completing plans for strengthening Britain’s naval, military and aenal defe“The Daily Observer” adds: “There is a clear connection between the two events, as the striking outcome of the diplomatic talks is almost general agreement that Britain’s comparative defencelessness is one of the most notable causes of European insecurity. Even German opinion unexpectedly expressed the view that a military strong Britain would remove some of the dangers against which Germany is aiming. It is rumoured that the Jintish Government is considering a loan of from £100,000,000 to £150,000,000 to finance re-armament. , A statement is expected soon after the assembly of Parliament on Monday. Meanwhile the diplomatic discussions have not dealt with the Italo-Abyssiman dispute, the real problem being how to recapture the friendship of Italy, winch is one of the influences essential in avoiding a European disturbance. Accordingly, Britain has encomaged a Central European consolidation and initiated Dr. Schuschnigg’s visit to Prague last month as a cardinal safeguard to European peace is Austrian independence. M. Litvinoff’s prestige in London is due to the fact that a strong Russia is the clearest check to Japanese and German exuberance in the Far East and Europe, respectively.” « ~ ~ It is understood that valuable results emerged from Mr Anthony Eden’s talks with M. Lozoraitis, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, regarding Memel which is one of the danger spots m Europe owing to Germany’s attitude. Thus good is expected to follow the warning to all concerned that Geimany’s rights in Memel are being^safeguarded.. There is now an equal responsibility in assuring Lithuania’s sovereignty therein. Similar seven Power discussions are being held in Paris as in London, the Government conferring with King Boris, King Carol, M. Titulescu, M Rushdiaras, Prince Paul, Prince Starlieimberg and M. Litvinoff, who me either at present or are shortly to do so.