FRENCH OPINION

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 9

FRENCH OPINION

M. Flandin Deeply Disappointed BRITISH PROPOSALS Withdrawal of Troops Not Provided For (Received March 18, 11.20 p.m.) London, March 18. In connection with the British proposals M. Flandin, in the evening, made a statement to the effect that lie was deeply disappointed. M. Flandin says that he is mortified that Britain is not making a distillation between France and Germany, offering equal treatment to both in regard to the security of their common frontier. The diplomatic correspondent of "The Times’’ confirms that the Britisu draft proposals for a Western European settlement provide for the estab Ushment of a neutral zone between Germany on the one hand and France and Belgium on the other, under the tutelage of an international police force. It adds that the territory on the French side of the frontier to bo included in this zone would naturally stop short of- the Maginot Line 9f * 0! ’" tificatious. The draft, it is understoo.:, also provides for reference of the FrancoSoviet Fact to the Hague Court, but contains no provisions for a western air pact or for any symbolic withdrawal of German troops. On the other hand, it makes provision for British as . well as French security, British authoritative circles emphasise the absolute necessity in the present most delicate phase of the discussions of unity between Locarno Powers other than Germany, but also emphasise that this unity must not be interpreted as being directed against Germanv, the simple and obvious fact being that without prior agreement among the Lorurno Powers there can bo no real progress toward a Western set tlement that will include Germany The French memorandum closely follows the forecast by the "Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent, the measures 6f protection referred to being economic sanctions, and Germany being required, pending the Hague decision. to reduce the forces in the 1! linehind and withdraw heav.s artillery. besides undertaking not to build fortifications. The memorandum stipulates for simultaneous negotiations between tl’e Locarno Powers, except Germany. to prepare plans for the mutual assistance of France and Belgium. French Memorandum. Moderate Anglo-French opinion feels that France might be inclined to reduce her demands if Britain makes a firm declaration that the Locarno Treaty is. still operating, and that in view of German violation of it she Is prepared to enter into staff conversations with the French and Belgian Governments regarding military plans for defence. France holds it is essential that this declaration be made without delay in the advance discussions with Germany. Britain, on the contrary, ■considers that further security guarantees to France should be given when it becomes clear that France and Germany themselves are reaching a satisfactory agreement. Firm French Policy. It is believed on good authority that French policy is firm on three points: (1) the question of compatibility of the Franco-Soviet Pact with the Locarno Pact to be submitted to the Hague Court, and that in the event of the decision going against Germany the troops should be withdrawn from the Rhineland in accordance with the Locarno Pact: (2) in the event of negotiations a commission should be dispatched to the frontier to see that no breaches of the Locarno Pact or alteration in the dispositions of the forces takes place during the discussions; (3) ' ritain should guarantee the inviolability of the French and Belgian frontiers on the lines of the abortive 1919 treaty. A Paris message states that the

French Press for the first time iu years is almost unanimous, saying that all lieaceful nations, headed by Biitain, should show themselves closely united and 'assist one another if necessary. Sections of the Press are annoyed at the continuous secrecy' with which the negotiations are enveloped, and other papers are dissatisfied with the slowness of the negotiations, declaring that after 30 days' talk, there is no result. Germany’s Decision. Though Dr. Iloesch, the German Ambassador’s.? consultations with Berlin, ■were not completed in. time to allow him to .accept Mr. Stanley Bruce's invitation .to sit at the Council to-night, the fact that the German delegation is at last coming gives the situation a slightly brighter tone. The efforts of Mr. Bruce ami Mr. Anthony Eden to secure some kind of immediate German representation arise from the desire to give Germany no ground for feeling that she might be judged unheard. The delicacy of this task was increased by the French ami Belgian pressure to proceed with the conderiination of Germany, both pointing out during the secret session that she had ample opportunity to be represented from the start. There is no weakening of their determination to have Germany's infraction of the Locarno Treaty formally recorded. There is still no agreement on the discussion of Germany's counter-pro-posals. but British quarters attach the utmost . importance to staving off French, and Belgian impatience until the parties can be brought face to face. . Perhaps it was just as well Germany accepted the invitation to attend the Council before hearing M. Lltvinoff’s speech, otherwise more negotiations might have been involved. The force of M. I.itvinoff's language appeared to astonish even the French and Belgian exponents of the case he was supporting,