"AIR LOCARNO."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 29, 4 February 1935, Page 7

"AIR LOCARNO."

PROPOSED PACT.

Basis of Convention for Powers

In Europe.

EQUALITY FOR GERMANY,

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, February 3. In terms of numbers and aircraft sti - ength of the Powers concerned, the proposed air convention is approximately thus: — Britain, 1400. France, 3000, of which only IGSO are first-line machines. Italy, 15Q7. Belgium, 310. Germany, 1100. The "Daily Telegraph" aviation expert says: There is no reason to believe, the German total, as given above, is not approximately accurate. It is the official French estimate, revealing the rapid increase of the past few mouths, which is known to be continuing. The German total includes a considerable number of highly efficient training aircraft which, although potential fighters, are not comparable with high-powered, modern fighters. The French air service at present is less efficient than the British but reequipment is proceeding with vigour. The "Daily Telegraph" diplomatic correspondent points out: The "Aerial Locarno" proposal provides for Britain a guarantee against aggression not inherent in the original treaty. It is emphasised that the projected pact is not a Franco-British fait accompli, but a proposal to be submitted to Germany for consideration, which she will be asked to join on terms of absolute equality. This should preclude any question of affront. Developments will now proceed through d : plomatic channels. The text of the agreement between Britain and France will be handed to Signer Mussolini and Herr Hitler tonight. The "Daily Telegraph" Rome correspondent states that there is every reason to believe that Signor Mussolini will accept the proposals for an Aerial Locarno as a basis of conversations between tho British, French, German and Belgian Governments. Germans are now speculating whether the question of the return of their colonies may be raised in connection with Herr Hitler's demand for equality of rights. POSSIBILITIES. Security from Sudden Aerial Attack. NEED FOR UNITY IN PEACE. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, February 3. Sir John Simon, in a broadcast speech, specially referred to the aerial security suggestion, which, he emphasised, the British and French Ministers regarded would go far to prevent aggression and to ensure immunity from sudden attack. He pointed, out that while under the Locarno Treaty Britain undertook a serious responsibility in certain events in order to assist France, Germany and Belgium but did not receive a corresponding assistance, the present plan for the first time provided Britain with an advantageous undertaking which did not impose a serious additional responsibility as, assuming tho parties were France, Germany, Belgium and Britain, tho last-named would only be called on to participate in cases in which she was already bound by Locarno while her promise would be limited aerially to assisting a country which was aerially attacked. This gave precision and promise hitherto expressed in general terms. He added that Germany was being treated in this matter as she ought to be treated —on a level with everybody else. "We hope other countries will think the plan offers great possibilities for increasing security and promoting world peace," he said. Referring to Italy, he expressed the opinion that Britain and Italy were not sheltered by the Locarno roof, but were rather buttresses of it exposed to the weather. He added that owing to the distance separating these countries more than one regional agreement might be better, although Britain had not carried tho analysis sufficiently far in this direction. "When the matter is discussed equally, we may find that a limited agreement, comprising Germany, Belgium, France and Britain may be practicable with Ttalv. France, Germany in another combination enabling, in time, the removal of the haunting fear from the hearts of men and women."