COMMENDATION IN COMMONS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21391, 6 February 1935, Page 11

COMMENDATION IN COMMONS

* LIBERAL AND LABOUR CONGRATULATIONS BROADCAST CRITICISED 'JinniSH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) (Received February 5, 5.4 p.m.) RUGBY, February 4. In the House of Commons to-day Sir John Simon mentioned that before the Franco-British communique ! was issued steps had been taken to inform the other Governments concerned in the Locarno Pact—the Italian, Belgian, and German Governments—of the trend of the discussions and to explain that they were now invited to join with the French and British Governments in equal consultation. Sir John Simon added that it was agreed between the French and British Ministers that if the scheme for an air convention were adopted Great Britain's commitment would not extend to cases beyond the class of case already covered by her Locarno obligations. During question time the leader of the Opposition (Mr George Lansbury) expressed his recognition of the importance of the communique, which to-day was issued as a White Paper. and Sir Herbert Samuel (Liberal leader) provoked cheers when he congratulated the Foreign Secretary on the measure of agreement so'far achieved and expressed the common hope that it would lead to useful results. Sir Herbert Samuel asked for an assurance that the pursuit of _ the objects embodied in the communique would not lead to a slackening of the efforts of the Government to secure a general disarmament convention, for which those proposals were, of course, not substituted. To this Sir John Simon replied: "I have no hesitation in giving that assurance." Mr Lansbury protested against Sir John Simon broadcasting a speech on the negotiations on Sunday instead of waiting to make the first announcement in the House of Commons, when questions could be put. Sir John replied that he broadcast solely in order that the communique should be understood. Sir Herbert Samuel also said he hoped that in future a statement of sucli importance would first be made in the House of Commons.

GENERAL WELCOME FROM PRESS NEWSPAPERS OF ALL PARTIES AGREE "COMMON SENSE PREVAILS" UMUTISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, February 4. AH the important British newspapers agiee on the great potential "value of the agreement between Great Britain and France. '•The Times" says: "The proposed Western European Air Convention is an amplification of Locarno, but its importance consists less in precision or in definition than in psychological values, and since the trouble is primarily psychological an enhanced sense of security on both sides of the Rhine should have a beneficent and tranquillising influence upon the two countries, which, in effect, have nothing to quarrel about." The "Daily Telegraph' says: The new agreement should calm fears about present security and at the same time open the door by which the British ideal of achieving peace in such disarmament as would deny aggression may be reached. The final word now rests with Germany.' The "Manchester Guardian" says: "Those who accept Locarno will accept the proposed convention also. The "Daily Herald" says: "Common sense has prevailed and Germany is invited to enter the conversations for the purpose of concluding a general settlement freely negotiated. This is a sane and sensible proposal, and there is ground for hoping that the German Government will not give a blank negative to the invitation.". The "News-Chronicle" says: "Here at least is a new starting point. We hope the negotiations will be a step toward peace in Europe, to be pressed forward with vigour, and will meet with an encouraging response." „,, The "Daily Mail" says: "The line followed by the National Government undoubtedly accords with the wishes of the people of this country." The terms of the joint communique were conveyed to the German. Italian, and Belgian Governments yesterdav, and in each case prompt and careful consideration was promised. No immediate official comment is expected or desired, for the document will obviously require careful study. So far as can be iudged from the press of those countries, first impressions of this important document have nowhere been unfavourable. EUROPE WAITS FOR HITLER'S MOVE SLCCESS DEPENDENT ON GERMANY LONDON. February 4. G. Ward Price, in the "Daily Mail." says that the Anglo-French agieement can guarantee European peace only if Germany participates. If that happened the war clouds would be dispersed. Otherwise a world conflict is only a matter of time, he says. "England's fate lies in the hands of Herr Hitler, whose acceptance of the invitation to join the air pact would change European antagonism to Germany into co-operation," he adds "In spite of certain unfavourable influences. Herr Hitler personally desires peace."