NEW PEACE PLAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 68, 22 March 1933, Page 7

NEW PEACE PLAN.

FRANCE'S ATTITUDE. S Mussolini's Project Under S Discussion. REPORTED SUPPORT. (United P.A.-Electrlc Telegraph-Copyright) (1 (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 21. Paris newspapers state that the principal points in Signor Mussolini's o peace plan are:— u Firstly, 10 years' co-operation in f Europe in the spirit of the Kellogg Pact e extending to the colonies. a Secondly, a revision of peace treaties I in accordance with the League Covenant. Thirdly, that Britain, France and o Italy recognise Germany's equality, and a immediately give effect thereto. * Fourthly, Germany shall be enabled to reorganise her military forces to equality with the rest of Europe, this principle also to apply to Austria, Hun- _ ;ary and Bulgaria. The newspapers are critical of Signor Mussolini's project on the ground that _ it conflicts with the League of Nations and concentrates power in the hands of e four nations to the detriment of the smaller countries. j Commentators detect an Italian desire 1 for an understanding with France owing ] to disappointment at the developments £ of Hitlerism and the recognition that i Italy has nothing to gain from a revival 1 of the German military menace. A message from Paris says "Le 1 Temps" asks: "Can France deliberately ignore her alliances with Poland and the Little Entente to rely upon the sole decision of the four principal Powers for the reconstruction of Europe? The idea arouses fear. France, who built • her alliances at great cost, is not pre- ■ pared to abandon them at such a critical time." France's Changed Attitude. The latest news from Paris indicates a change in the attitude which it had been hitherto assumed France would take as regards the new peace plan. It is stated that the Prime Minister, M. Daladier, and the Foreign Minister, M. Paul-Boncour, will assure Mr. Mac Donald and Sir John, Simon of their warm support. It is learned that the French Ministers consider the Rome move as of the utmost importance, believing that a reaffirmation of the ban on the use of force would produce a most happy psychological effect at present and make a big contribution toward the re-estab-lishment of confidence. The "Daily Telegraph" French correspondent, claiming to give an accurate summary of Signor Mussolini's draft pact, says it provides that it shall be effective for 10 years and continue automatically for another 10 years unless a year's notice be given by the signatory Powers and would declare that, as provided in the League Covenant, a revision of treaties may be sought. Secondly, France, Britain and Germany would declare that the time has come to carry into practice the principle already recognised of full equal rights for Germany. The correspondent says it is probable that France will approve the aims of, Signor Mussolini and Mr. Mac Donald and reserve the right to suggest amendments to make the draft acceptable to her Allies and bring it into harmony with her views on disarmament. STATESMEN CONFER. CONVERSATIONS IN PARIS. (Received 12 noon.) RUGBY, March 21. Following conversations between Mr. Mac Donald and Sir John Simon, and M. Daladier and M. Paul-Boneour, a statement issued at Paris said: "The British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary stopped at Paris on the way from Rome in order to acquaint the French Prime Minister and Foreign Minister with the nature of their con, versations with Signor Mussolini. The French Ministers thanked their col- ' leagues for the information which they furnished, and which will enable them to proceed to a closer study of tie proposals put before them. They will communicate further with each, other without delay. "The French Ministers affirmed their desire to see established, in the interests of peace within the framework and in the spirit of the League of Nations, a loyal co-operation between the four European Powers who are permanent members of the Council of the League of Nations." Mr. Mac Donald and Sir John Simon are returning to London to-morrow. On Thursday the Prime Minister will make a statement in the House of Commons. CABINET APPROVES. ENTHUSIASM AT ROME. (Received 11 a.m.) ROME, March 21. Si<*nor Mussolini explained his conversations with Mr. Mac Donald and Sir John Simon to the Cabinet, and the Ministers enthusiastically approved.