POWERS ADOPT PROPOSALS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22196, 13 September 1937, Page 9

POWERS ADOPT PROPOSALS

Plan for Immediate Enforcement DRAFT TEXT APPROVED FOR SIGNATURE (Received September 12, 10 p.m.) LONDON, September 11. The Nine-Power Conference reassembled at Nyon to-day and examined the British and French patrol plan, which had been drastically amended because of the absence of any naval experts except the French and British. It was considered that discussion oi a zone plan would, in such circumstances, be involved by prolonged delays, whereas a speedy decision was essential. A communique states that M. Pouritch, the Jugoslav delegate, on behalf of the Balkan Entente, said those Powers, after consideration by their naval forces, had decided:— (1) That each should be responsible for policing its own territorial waters. (2) That each should consult other riparian Powers with a view to collaboration. (3) That Britain and France should police the seas on the most used routes. M.'Delbos (France) then submitted the British and French draft text which, after changes, was approved, subject to the approval of the Govf ernments concerned. During the discussion the Black Sea riparian Powers undertook to deal with submarines threatening the freedom of traffic in the BlacK ft' was agreed that the adopted 1 text should be enforced immediately . the Governments had signed, ana ■ for this purpose the conference win meet early next week. Italy's participation is provided lor in the Adriatic, but the proposals will be implemented, probably on September 14, even if Italy does not accept. . „ Russia will, with other nations be responsible only for the protection of the Black Sea. , For the shipping of non batant nations the position Will oe as follows: If a submarine comes to the surface, show- its flag and gives the crew a chance of gaining safety, as Provided by the London Maritime Convention of 1936, and then tor!>edoes the ship, its action will leaa to national, but not international Consequences. Such action will oe an act of war against the country ■whose vessel is sunk. . ' , The patrolling destroyers will not Intervene in such circumstances, out « submarine not observing these rules will be treated as a pirate ana ■'., *«ik.