THE NEW PACT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18677, 28 April 1926, Page 9

THE NEW PACT.

TEXT PUBLISHED. ROSSO-GERMAN treaty. MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING. jBY CABLE— PSES3 ASSOCIATION' —COPIHIOHT.) (AUSTRALIA# ARB g.z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.! (Received April 27th, 8 p.m.) BERLIN, April 26. Ihe text of the Russo-German treaty has been issued. It consists of four articles, and begins by stating that both will do everything towards maintaining peace, and are convinced that the interests of the Russo-Gerinnn peonies necessitate intimate co-opera-tion.

The articles provide in the first place that the basis of relations between 'the two Governments should remain according to the treaty of Rapollo and that they will remain in friendly touch in order that each should have an understanding on political and economic questions. Secondly, should one of the signatories, despite its peaceful attitude, be attacked by a third power or several powers, then the other signatory will remain neutral throughout the entire conflict. In the third place, if a coalition of the three powers is formed with the object of imposing an economic or financial boycott against one of the signatories, the other will not join the coalition, and finally that during the last five years before the expiry of the treaty, both parties will keep each other informed in regard to further orientation of their political relations. In a covering letter to M. Krestinsky, the Soviet Ambassador, Dr. Stresemann emphasises that Germany's entry to the League of Nations cannot be j an obstacle to the development of friendly Russo-German relations. The German Government is determined to assist in making the idea of a peaceful settlement of international disputes a reality,, but it is unlikely, even if efforts contradicting this basic idea of peace are being directed against Russia, that Germanv will oppose tliem strongly.

The principles of German policy towards the Soviet cannot be influenced by Germany's loyal adherence to the obligations ensuing its entry to the League. Concerning articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant of the League on questions of sanctions which are applicable to Russia only in the event of Russia warring against another country, the question of whether Russia is the attacker can be decided only with Germany's full agreement, so the accusations of all other countries cannot he binding for Germany if Germany is not convinced of their justification.

LEAGUE POWERLESS. BRITISH COMMENT. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received April 27th, 9 p.m.) LONDON, April 26. The Russo-German Treaty has generally taken a back page owing to the Budget. There was a little comment in the "Morning Post," however, which says it may well cause perturbation in certain European circles, and is likely to demonstrate the powerlessness of the League as a check against war. "Germany hopes to become a member of the League," the paper states, "and must therefore subscribe to the Covenant clauses 16 and 17 of which provide that all members are bound to support each other in cases of aggression, whether by a member or a non-member State. Yet Germany, by a neutrality clause in the new Treaty, has pledged herself in advance to take no action against Russia. Further, under the Leagne procedure, a unanimous vote of tho Council is necessary before action can bo taken. Germany has now bound herself to veto any action against Russia. It is significant that this neutrality clause has been included after a demonstration at Geneva of anxiety of certain members of the League to change the unanimity of the vote into a simple or two-thirds majority."

Sir Austen Chamberlain, in a speech at the Anglo-British Society's luncheon, said: "We are somewhat disturbed and agitated by the diplomatic negotiations going on in other quarters, but think it is a great mistake to regard them jealously or suspiciously, provided they assure peace between the parties, are not directed to forming hostile alliances, and are not incompatible with the obligations many of us, and I hope all of us, will soon have taken under the League."

FRANCE SHOCKED. (Bl CABLE—JPBEBB ASSOCIATION —COFTBIGHT) ("tot tmxs.") LONDON, April 26. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" says that comment upon the Husso-German treaty is restrained in the absence of the text, but the treaty has undoubtedly shocked France. It is regarded as a definite German step aiming at freedom from the Western control established under the peace treaties. It is considered that Germany has cleverly taken advantage of her central position in order to become the pivotal European State. I Especial misgiving exists regarding the reported condition that Russia and Germany have agreed to consult upon their action whenever the international situation affects their common interests. Hie Berlin correspondent says that if Soviet Russia were showing the smallest sympathy towards the League of Nations the treaty would not be regarded most seriously, but the general impression is that Germany hence- j forward will be allied, not only to a non-league, but to an anti-league Power.

GERMANY FORMALLY APPROVES,

(AUSTRALIAN AND K-Z. CABLK ASSOCIATION.) (Received April 27th, 8 p.m.) BERLIN, April 26. The Reichstag Foreign Affairs Committee has unanimously approved of the Russo-German treaty. BRITAIN NOT JEALOUS. (Stbhbt "SUN" BEBncK.j (Received April 27th, 8 p.m.)" LONDON, April 26. It would be a great mistake to regard the Russo-German Treaty suspiciously, said Sir Austen Chamberlain, speaking at an Anglo-French function. Britain was not jealous of the efforts of other countries to improve their mutual relations. She hoped they would strive like France and Britain to keep old friendships, and build thereon by reconciliation with former enemiea.