LONDON TALKS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 111, 4 February 1935, Page 9

LONDON TALKS

Virtual Agreement Reported BRITAIN AND FRANCE Convention Limiting Armaments SUDDEN CABINET MEETING * By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received February 3,11.52 p.m.) London, February 2. The conversations between British - Ministers and the visiting French Ministers, Mr. Flandin, Premier, and M. Laval, Foreign Minister, which commenced yesterday and continued to-day, were resumed. at 9.40 p.m. and broke ’up ait 11.45. Sir John Simon said': “We shall have to sit again to-morrow.” It is learned that the discussions will resume at 4.30 p.m. , M. Laval has postponed his departure until Monday. The French Ministers remained for more than an hour engaged in telephone conversations, also talking with French journalists. It is learned from an authoritative source that the conversations proceeded satisfactorily and agreement was virtually reached or will be concluded to-day, after which a communique will be issued. In the meantime it is essential to communicate with other Governments. It is stated from well-informed French sources that proposals were drawn up for an air convention between England and France, and a substantial measure of agreement was reached on this question. Details remain to be worked out by experts of both countries. It is also suggested the communique will incorporate a proposal for the cancellation of the military clauses of the Versailles Treaty, with the exception of the demilitarisation of the left bank of the Rhine. The general atmosphere among the French representatives appeared to be one of satisfaction. It is emphasised that no formal .pact has been prepared. “But,” said’ a French authority, “we realised a high measure of agreement.” The Havas News Agency states in Paris that agreement is assured on the lines of a convention limiting armaments and replacing the military clauses of the Versailles Treaty. ’ The parties aim at the completion of the Danubian and Eastern pacts, Germany’s return to the League, and a defensive air agreement to which Germany Belgium and Italy will be asked to adhere. This will retain validity if Germany refuses to participate. “Everything is going well, but. we have not finished,” said Sir John Simon, Foreign Secretary, when leaving No. 10 Downing Street, at 8 p.m. after the afternoon conversations, which lasted for five hours. The French Ministers hurried out to dine before the resumption at 9.30. Secret Dossier. The day’s surprise was the sudden summoning of Cabinet, an unusual event on Saturdays, after the morning's negotiations which were informally carried on till lunch time. The Cabinet meeting lasted 15 minutes. Members are reported to have been shown a secret dossier prepared by the French General Staff scheduling German military forces. The conversations, a British official wireless message states, commenced on Friday morning. M. Flandin. and M. Laval, were accompanied by officials, and on the British side, in addition to the Prime Minister and Sir John Simon, Mr. Stanley Baldwin and Mr. Anthony Eden were also present. The , French Ministers, at the conclusion of the morning talks, were the guests at a small luncheon party given by Mr. Baldwin and conversations were afterward resumed. After the Ministers separated yes- ■ terday afternoon the following joint communique was issued: “The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, Sir John Simon and Mr. Eden met M. Flandin, Prime Minister of France, and M. Laval, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, at No. 10 Downing Street to-day. Two meetings were devoted Co a general examination of the principal questions of European policy. The Ministers will continue an examination of these different problems at their next meeting, which is fixed for to-morrow afternoon, to enable private conversations to take place in the morning. They were glad to note the spirit of friendly confidence in which the exchange of views was undertaken and is being Visitors Entertained. His Majesty’s Government gave a dinner last night at the Foreign Office in honour of M. Flandin and M. Laval. The Prime .Minister presided and the guests numbered over 70. In addition to the French Ambassador and members of the visiting delegation those invited included members of the British Cabinet, the High Commissioners for the Dominions, the Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Eden), prominent members of both Houses of Parliament, and representatives of the services. The continuance of the negotiations after dinner to-day, a London cable adds, necessitated M. Flandin postponing his visit to Sir Gomer Berry at Farnham, where Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer." is also" a guest. M. Flandin is going to Farnham to-morrow. It is expected that this is to discuss financial affairs with Mr. Chamberlain. M. Laval visited Mr. Arthur Henderson, chairman of the Disarmament Conference, and discussed the continuance of the Disarmament Bureau’s work. OUTSPOKEN COMMENT I'Jewspapers in Germany Berlin, February 1. German newspapers, following an official lead, comment outspokenly on the French Ministers’ visit to London. The “Koelnische Zeitung” says that England, France and Italy apparently want to revoke the part of the peace treaties which deals with armaments and replace if with a disarmament convention which would in fact limit armaments. The ‘Germania” suggests that France merely desires to get England to shoulder further security guarantees.