CONVERSATIONS IN PARIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 98, 6 February 1936, Page 5

CONVERSATIONS IN PARIS.

COLLECTIVE SECURITY AIMS.

STRENGTHENING OF LEAGUE. (United Press Association—Copyright) PARIS, February 5. Official circles consider that European collective security has been strengthened, as a result of the conversations with kings and statesmen, who “took the opportunity of paying their respects to the French Government” on their way back from King George’s funeral. The talks came to a climax with a meeting between M. I' 1 1 and in (Foreign Minister) and Prince Starhemberg, who is reported to have given assurances that Austria is ready to sign an agreement with the Little Entente, stipulating that no attempt will be made to restore the Hapsburgs without the good will of Austria’s neighbours. i M. Flandin was thus able, in a subsequent conversation with Prince Paul, to allay the Jugo-Slavian suspicions of a coup by Hapsburgs, which Prince Paul reiterated was not acceptable to his countrymen. A member of Archduke Otto’s household stated that the Archduke would only return to Austria when freely invited, and then only with the full approval of the Great Powers. He would do nothing to interfere with Austria’s future prosperity. The peace discussions on a Balkan Pact were not so successful. Prince Starhemberg indicated that Austria was still attached to the value of Italian support, though they hoped to count on the Little Entente in a real emergency. King Boris plainly told M. Flandin that Bulgaria was unable to join a Balkan Pact at the cost of abandoning territorial claims in Jugoslavia. King Boris, however, empirically supported the principle of collective security within the framework of the League of Nations.

Rumania was equally anxious that the Powers’ obligations . under Article 16 of the league Covenant should be precisely understood and respected. King Carol told the newspapers that he was certain his visit had resulted in friendship. “The conversations between King Boris, Prince Paul and myself have helped the good relations of the Ballkan Powers,” said King Carol. “I feel that King Edward’s wide experience will help the cause of peace in Europe.” i