GRAVE OUTLOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 247, 17 October 1936, Page 9

GRAVE OUTLOOK.

BALANCE IN EUROPE. Belgium's Neutrality Policy Stirs Nations. FRENCH ANXIETY. United Press Association.—-Copyright. LONDON, October IC. The speech of King Leopold of Belgium on his country's neutrality policy has attracted worldwide attention. It is realised everywhere that it raises issues of tremendous importance. The Brussels correspondent of "The Times" says the speech agrees with the feelings of the great mass of the population, which fears that Belgium, by signing regional pacts, might be drawn into international conflicts. It is understood that the Belgian Ambassador to Britain informed the Foreign Secretary,' Mr. Eden, that, there is no question of Belgium repudiating any of her obligations. The neutrality policy outlined by King Leopold relates principally to the coming Locarno negotiations. Belgium, under a new treaty, wants to be a guaranteed party but not a guarantor. •. ■ The diplomatic; correspondent of the "t)aily Telegraph" says the future of Belgium in a new European system has been under examination in London recently. It is held that, should Germany attempt expansion, it would be eastward, and that her concern in the west would be to hold off attack from France in going to the help of Poland and Czechoslovakia. The observance of neutrality by Belgium would lighten the German task. French alarm continues. It is stated from Paris that the Government intends to ask Brussels a of questions to elucidate King Leopold's speech. Italy and Germany both find satisfaction in Belgium's attitude, which the Dutch Press also approves. The British Press takes the matter calmly, though the "Daily Herald" echoes the view heard frequently in the street to the effect that King Leopold seems to be somewhat unmindful of others' past efforts to give Belgium the security and independence she now enjoys. "The Times" says it is certain that Belgium desires at all times to be on the best of terms with Britain, but it is plain that the revised conception of her future policy must be a matter of concern to Britain. Its bearing upon the negotiations for a new Locarno will be carefully and sympathetically considered.