COMMENT IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27472, 5 October 1954, Page 13

COMMENT IN BRITAIN

Most Newspapers Praise Eden (Rec. 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 4. ‘ British newspapers today mainly applauded the Nine-Power agreement on European defence. Some praised Mr Eden’s statesmanship, buf the “Daily Express” took the 1 line that Britain had forsaken the Empire in committing herself in Europe, i and “The Times” cautioned that further argument was still possible. The “Daily Mail,” in a leading article. said that the agreement was a triumph for Britain and particularly for Mr Eden. The successful end to the conference left Britain with the leadership of Europe. “The Times,” in a leading article, said: “Relief and congratulations must be the first response to the agreement. But the dispute between Mr MendesFrance and other Ministers over the scope of the degree of arms control is not really ended. “Always behind Mr Mendes-France are the shifting sands of the French Assemblv and the Saar problem.” The “Daily Express” said: “The deed that should never have been contemplated is done. . . . Now the historic policy of priority for partnership with the Empire is set aside. . . . Never was so much sacrificed for the sake of so much folly. “The measure is meant for the defence of the West against Russia—yet it contains prohibitions on the manufacture of weapons for just that purpose.” The “Daily Express” said that since Britain had pledged 120,000 troops she “faces the Empire deprived of full strength to defend, deprived, too, of her freedom of action. . . . “Britain cast away her independence and gained nothing, nothing, nothing.” The “Daily Herald” . supported Mr Mendes-France in his demand for effective control over Germany’s defend forces and arms production. "Europe has a right, in view of Ger- " man history, to insist on that.” The “Daily Worker” said: “The Ruhr millionaires will have a great modern arms industry once again.” The “Daily Telegraph” said: “The success of the London conference is less a crowning achievement than a hopeful beginning. “The realisation of its hopes depends upon a series of actions yet to be taken by the governments in concert and individually. . . . Genuine and justified fears of what German rearmament might bring in years to come cannot be allayed overnight.”