LOCARNO POWERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 130, 14 March 1936, Page 5

LOCARNO POWERS

THE LONDON CONVERSATIONS. M. FLANDIN CONFIDENT. FRENCH AND BRITISH OPINION. (United Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 12. On arrival in London, M. Flandin (Premier of France), who described himself as an old faithful friend of Britain, said he unhesitatingly accepted the proposal to change the place of the meeting of representatives of the signatories to the Locarno Pact, and he had every confidence in the ultimate issue of the conversations. In the present circumstances, which were serious for future peace, France upheld tho same notion of collective security by means of the Covenant which was dear to British public opinion. Cabinet having reviewed the international situation at two meetings, no further meetings are anticipated at present, but Ministers will he available for informal consultations if necessary while the discussions are proceeding. In the House of Commons the Secretary of State for Home Affairs (Sii John Simon), replying on behalf of the Prime Minister, stated that should circumstances require it, arrangements would be made for a debate on the foreign situation next week. This evening Mr Eden entertained the principal French, Belgian and Italian delegates at dinner. Mr J. Ramsay MacDonald, Sir John Simon and Viscount LTalifwere also present. . .

The conversations between Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium, begun in Paris on Tuesday, were continued in London to-day. A formal meeting of the four 'delegations took place early this evening. The principal British delegates were Mr Eden (who pre-. sided) Lord Halifax and Sir Robert Vansittart (Permanent Under-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs). M. Flandin and M. Van Zeeland (Belgium) were accompanied by the 1 ( rench and Belgian Ambassadors to London. Senoi Grandi (Italian Ambassador) attended for Italy. Following the formal meeting, at which statements were made on behalf of each delegation relative to the situation, an informal - discussion took place between the leading ihembers of the delegations.