PEACE NETWORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1935, Page 9

PEACE NETWORK.

FRENCH OBJECTIVE. Policy Not Directed Against Any Country. MINISTER'S ASSURANCE. (United r.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 11 a.m.) PARIS, March 22. "Pacts are being prepared to assure the security of Europe," declared M. Laval, addressing the Chamber of Deputies. "Germany knows lam determined to achieve necessary international rapprochements.

"My only conception is an organisation for security within a strong France under the protection of the League of Nations. Germany's gesture only postpones the hour of a peace from which we wish to exclude nobodv.

"France's policy is not aggressive, and is not directed against any country. Moreover, peoples and Governments of good will shall unite on a basis of mutual understanding."

M. Bouillon recalled' that Labour and Liberal members of the British House of Commons spoke strongly about Germany. Why was M. Laval not doing likewise? lie asked. One must have courage to tell France the truth.

M. Layal, replying, announced that his duty was to maintain a network of friendly alliances around France. GERMAN VIEWPOINT. Will Not be Robbed of Her Military Power. INSISTENT ON EQUALITY? (Received 2 p.m.) BERLIN", March 22. Although M. Laval's speech has improved the situation, Germany is not optimistic regarding the results of Sir John Simon's visit. Nevertheless, it is felt that it will be satisfactory for Europe to have another opportunity of coming to grips with its problems, despite the French appeal to the League, which might be a serious hindrance since Germany is determined that no legal formalities at Geneva shall rob her of' the military sovereignty recovered by conscription.

It is also contended that unless the Powers recognise Germany's assumption of equality, chances for success in the international negotiations are not hopeful.

U.S.A. NOT INTERESTED. EUROPEAN CONTROVERSY. (Received 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 22. The assertion that the United States Government was not interested in the question whether the Hitler Government has violated the Versailles Treaty, was made by Mr. Pittman, chairman of tlie Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He expressed the opinion that the American .Government should not inject itself directly or indirectly into the controversy.

Meantime President Eooscvelt and the State Department are apparently determined to await crystallisation abroad before making any move.

BRITISH ATTITUDE. FRENCH AND GERMAN VIEWS. (Received 11.30 a.m:) LONDON, March 22. Newspapers, according to a Berlin message, approve the debate in the House of Commons on the forthcoming visit to Germany of the Foreign Minister, especially Sir John Simon's reference to Germany's equality. "Voelkische Beobachter" describes the debate as statesmanlike, tactful and wise.

Paris newspapers, however, comment sarcastically- on Sir John Simon's suggestion that Germany should be represented at the forthcoming conference of Powers. "Echo de Paris" says: Without consulting the Quai d'Orsay, Sir John Simon makes this announcement, which simply aims at bringing us back to the idea "of the four-Power pact. This is not permissible. We hope M. Laval has sufficient strength to turn it down.