“NEW STARTING POINT TO PEACE”

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 112, 5 February 1935, Page 9

“NEW STARTING POINT TO PEACE”

Press Comment on Aerial Locarno Plan EXPLANATORY SPEECH BY SIR JOHN SIMON By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received February 4, 7 p.m.) Loudon, February 3. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent points out that the “aerial Locarno” proposal provides for Britain a guarantee against aggression not inherent in the original treaty. It is emphasised that the projected pact is not a Franco-British fait accompli, but a proposal to he submitted to Germany for consideration, which she is asked to join on terms of absolute equality. This should preclude any question of affront. Development will now proceed through diplomatic channels. The text of the Anglo-French agreement was handed to Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler to-night. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent states that there is every reason to believe that Signor Mussolini will accept' the proposals for an aerial Locarno as the basis of conversations with the British, French, German, and Belgian Governments. The Germans, are now speculating whether the question of the return of their colonies may be raised in connection with Herr Hitler's demand for equality of rights. The “News-Ghronicle,” in a leader, says that the Anglo-French suggestions •are ingenious and well-considered and should form a.new starting point toward European peace. Germany certainly should see in them no vestige of hostility or encirclement, but an honourable.means of facilitating a return to the comity, of nations. “Dally Express” Opposition. Amid the chorus of general approval the “Daily Express.” which advocates splendid isolation, opposes the aerial convention which, it declares, will plunge Britain deeper into the European maelstrom. Britain is now pledging herself in Europe as she was pledged before the war. the only difference being that the commitment was formerly secret and now it is open. “The Times,” in a leader, says that the agreement may be the most valuable contribution to European peace since the Locarno Pact, as it has boldly faced the twin problems of German equality and French security. There is goodwill toward Germany in every paragraph. The “Morning Post” says: We have dallied overlong with 'the dangerous delusion of a disarmed world. We shall be able to look other nations in the eyes when we combine with our friends to put an end to any lurking expectation that we can be caught disarmed and unawaresSir John Simon's View. Sir John Simon, broadcasting, specially referred to the aerial security suggestion which he emphasised the British and French Ministers regarded as likely to go far to prevent aggression and ensure immunity from sudden attack. He pointed out that while under the Locarno Pact Britain undertook serious responsibility in certain events in order to assist France, Germany and Belgium, she received no corresponding assistance. The present plan for the first time provided for Britain an advantageous undertaking which did not impose serious additional responsibility, as, “assuming the parties were France, Germany, Belgium and ourselves, we would only be called on to participate in cases in which we were already bound by the Locarno Pact, while our promise would be limited to assisting aerially a country which had been aerially attacked, thus giving precision to a promise hitherto expressed in general terms.” Sir John added that Germany was being treated in this matter as she ought to be treated, on a level with everybody else. “We hope that other countries will think the plan offers great possibilities for increasing security and promoting world peace.” Britain and Italy. Referring to Italy, he said he considered that Britain and Italy were not sheltered by the Locarno roof, but rather buttresses of it, exposed to the weather. He added that owing t 6 the distance separating Britain and Italy more than one regional agreement might be better, although they had not carried analysis sufficiently far in that respect. “When the matter is discusse.d equally, we may find that a limited agreement comprising Germany, Belgium, France and Britain may be practicable with Italy, France, and Germany as another combination enabling in time the removal of a haunting fear from the hearts of men and women.” In terms of numbers of aircraft the strength of the Powers concerned in the proposed convention is approximately: Britain 1450, Jfrance 3000 (of which only 1650 are first-line machines), Italy 1507, Belgium 310, Germany 1100. The “Daily Telegraph’s” aviation correspondent says that there is no reason to believe that the German total given above is not approximately accurate. It is an official French estimate revealing' a rapid increase in the past few months, which is known to be continuing. The German total includes a considerable number of highlyefficient training aircraft, which, although potential fighters, are not comparable with the high-powered modern fighters. The French Air Service is at present less efficient than the British, but re-equipment is proceeding with vigour. M. LAVAL BROADCASTS Important Date in History FRENCH PRESS VIEWS London, February 3. The French Foreign Minister, M. Laval, broadcast the results of the conversations throughout France from London, after which he talked to newspapermen with the microphone switched on. enabling the French to listen in. He emphasised Anglo-French friendship and the unity and solidarity of the interests' in which the discussions were carried on. He considered that after the Saar plebiscite and the Rome agreement the London conversations would mark an important date in diplomatic history. “M. Flandin and I myself wholeheartedly hope that the results will be cordially welcomed, especially by Germany. who, we trust,. will respond to our pressing call. It is the hope of Britain and France to pursue and achieve methodically the organisation

of European security,. We have worked hard for peace.” The proposed aerial pact has already been communicated to Germany, Italy, and Belgium.

The Paris newspapers generally acclaim the success of the discussions. “Le Temps” characterises them as equalling in importance the Rome agreements. They must not be interpreted as a Franco-British solution imposed on othej nations, but a recommendation as to the methods most suitable to produce a general , settlement. It is a great step toward the consolidation of peace. “Le Intransigeant” declares that everything will now be changed in international relations. Aviation is the mistress of peace and can police the world. “Le Journal des Debats” laments the recognition of German rearmament as due to successful blackmailing, but considers that the a.ir agreement is more valuable than the Locarno Pact. “Le Populaire” says that the solution is satisfactory, if it can fully be realised. SUPPORT PROBABLE Belgium and Aerial Pact (Received February 4, 7 p.m.) Brussels, February 4. .Cabinet will meet to-day to consider the London declaration. There are indications that Belgium will adhere to an agreement guaranteeing her security, particularly in the form of an aerial pact. STERLING AND FRANC British Government View (British Official Wireless.) (Received February 4, 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, February 3. Reports that M. Flandin would place before Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, plans for linking sterling and the franc are discounted in authoritative quarters. The attitude of the British Government on this subject has already been clearly defined. The view is taken by the Chancellor that stabilisation should not be attempted while the present disharmony between the dollar and franc exists. As a preliminary to that step such a change in’ price levels as would correct, this inharmonious relationship must be awaited.