BLUM DEMISES FRANCE'S PERILS

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 65, 18 March 1938, Page 7

BLUM DEMISES FRANCE'S PERILS

MORE ARMAMENTS. Stirring Appeal for National Unity. SAFEGUARDING FRONTIERS. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, March 17. In the Chamber of Deputies the Prime Minister, M. Bium, appealed for the creation of a National Government. He said he was ready to stand down in favour of a new Prime Minister if his action would help its formation. He emphasised the need lor increasing France's military strength and expressed France's willingness to strengthen her alliances and friendships. "I will never admit that the safeguarding of France's interests and frontiers is incompatible with the fulfilment of our international commitments," he declared. "1 took over the Government the day following the international event which convulsed all Europe and may cause shattering and fearful developments." France. he said, must before all guard against the perils of the external situation, and intended to increase her armaments without delay. "We ardently hope our voice will find the same echo everywhere. During France's long liistory she has always known how to rise to meet her difficulties and dangers, and she will again give the spectacle of a strong and courageous nation equal to her history and destiny." DENIAL GIVEN. Foreign Volunteers Not G/>ing To Spain. COCK-AND-BULL STORY. (Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON", March IT. The Italian Embassy in London denies the reported departure of volunteers to Spain. It adds that none have been sent recently and there is no intention of sending any. On the contrary the number in Spain has decreased owing to departures to Italy for various reasons. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says a Spanish news agency quotes an Italian airman. Mario Minervi, who was brought down, as stating that 700 Italian and Herman aeroplanes, most of them piloted by Italians or Germans, are engaged on the Aragon front.

Dispatches from St. Jean de Luz state that the allegation that 30.000 German Storm Troops are 011 the way to Spain has angered the Nationalists. A high official on General Franco's staff declares that this is a cock-and-bull story, directly related to the dash to Paris made by the Prime Minister, Senor Xegrin, this coinciding with M. Blum's return to power. Senor Xegrin is making a desperate effort to persuade the French Government to send 50,000 Communist volunteers to Spain. CANADA'S ATTITUDE. Premier Declines to Make Statement. LAISSEZ FAIRE POLICY. (Received 2 p.m.) OTTAWA. March 17. Declaring that unless Canada desires to become involved in developments in Europe and Asia, it was inadvisable to make representations which might appear to have a contrary aim, the Prime Minister. Mr. Mackenzie King, refused in the House of Commons to-day to be drawn into a discussion regarding the warlike activities in Europe, and to assure London of Canada's support.

Questions from many quarters demanded a statment of the Government's policy, and urged either a removal of the embargo against the shipment of arms to Spain or an extension of the embargo to Italy and Germany.

The Prime Minister stated that in view of the tremendqus events occurring, nothing should be done that might risk embarrassment to the British Government, and which was likely to be misconstrued by some countrv involved.

It was true that the Government had advices from London, but the nature of these confirmed the wisdom of saying nothing, as a statement might create wrong inferences. The Prime Minister added that communications from London were continuing only as information and not as consultations. DEFENCE COSTS. HUGE FRENCH EXPENDITURE. (Feceived 12 noon.) PARIS, March 17. The Ministerial Council has authorised additional defence expenditure of £35,700,000.