ACCEPTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 117, 20 May 1933, Page 9

ACCEPTED.

BRITISH PROPOSAL.

DISARMAMENT PLAN.

German Agreement Notified

At Geneva.

DRAFT CONVENTION« BASIS

(Uritlsh Official Wireless.) (Ileceivcd 12 noon.) RUGBY, May 19. The an xiously awaited declaration by the German delegate at Geneva was made this afternoon at a meeting of the General Commission when Herr Nadolny accepted the British plan, "not only as we have, up to now, as a basis of discussion, but as a basis for a future disarmament convention itself." His speech was preceded by a statement by Mr. Arthur Henderson who, having laid before the meeting President Roosevelt's peace message, made I an earnest appeal for withdrawal of the amendments -which had obstructed the progress of the conference. Ho referred to Herr Hitler's speech and the points of similarity between it and President Roosevelt's pronouncement, and appealed to all delegations to make an effort at mutual understanding and concessions. Herr Nadolny said that Herr Hitler's speech had clearly expressed the will of Germany to arrive at an understanding, and the sincere desire to collaborate in the establishment of a durable peace. The German people woidd continue their demand that the conference should guarantee the disarmament of strongly armed States and a recognition of the German right to equality. Germany's New Attitude. "I believe the British plan constitutes basis on which a solution of the different problems can be found. That is why I declare in the name of my Government that we accept the plan." He added that the modifications which would be proposed would conform to the new attitude, and expressed the belief that "this declaration will constitute a new basis for the spirit of moderation and understanding in which we are collaborating towards the realisation of a convention. I hope that other States will similarly make their own interests come within the scope of the British plan." Captain E. A. Eden (Britain), after heartily endorsing President Roosevelt's declaration, recalled that the latter had stated that acceptance of the draft convention was only the first step. It had always been the British view that disarmament should be by stages, and the object of putting forward the draft convention was to have a basis for real disarmament. He was gratified by the approval given by Herr Nadolny. Acceptance by all delegations would make a great contribution to the confidence of the world. M. Massigli (France) said that after Herr Hitler's speech he had interpreted Herr Nadolny's remarks as indicating that previous obstacles had been removed. It now only remained for the conference to get down to the work of precision. The meeting was adjourned. NATIONS IN ACCORD. General Agreement With Roosevelt Appeal. REPLIES TO WASHINGTON. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. King Albert has expressed admiration for President Roosevelt's peace message. In a reply to the President lie states that Belgium has already stabilised licr money and has decided to maintain it at the present gold value. Belgium attached great importance to freedom of international exchanges. M. I. Kalinin, chairman of the Presidium, assured President Roosevelt of a warm response from Russia to his peace message. Russia welcomed the proposed pact of non-aggression between all countries and would willingly co-operate either at the disarmament or economic conferences. A Belgrade message states that King Alexander associates Yugoslavia with the spirit of the Roosevelt appeal, and from Prague it is reported that President Masaryk welcomes the American ~ initiative. Don Zamora, President, informed President Roosevelt that Spain would join any progressive steps for peace. THE NATIONAL GUARD. PART OF U.S. ARMY. GENEVA, May 19. In spite of heated protests by Colonel Strong (United States), the Effectives Committee of the Disarmament Conference has decided to reckon the National Guard in the military forces of the United States.