POWERS IN CONCLAVE

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

POWERS IN CONCLAVE

Locarno Signatories and League Council PROPOSALS BY BRITAIN (Press Assn, Cable and British Official Wireless.) London, March 17. The Locarno Powers met secretly at 11 a.m. and adjourned at 12.30 p.m. until after this afternoon's Council meeting. , It is understood that Mr. Eden handed the conference a document containing proposals relating to the application of the Locarno Treaty to present circumstances. The French delegation had a conference concerning the document at their hotel after the adjournment of the conference. It is understood that M. Flandin communicated the British suggestions to the French Government. The Locarno Powers will meet again at 10 o’clock to-night. Mr. Eden, after a private conversation with M. Flandin, communicated with Berlin.

After a short private meeting, the League Council held a secret session io discuss the outcome of Mr. Edeu’s direct conversations with the German Foreign Office this morning. It is understood that Germany asked for more precise details as to the basis of equality ou which she is invited, and also demanded assurances that Herr Hitler's proposals would be discussed. France, however, is not prepared to agree to such assurances unless she obtains some satisfaction from Germany. Acceptance of Invitation. The German Ambassador, Dr. von Hoesch, communicated to the President of the League Council, Mr. Stanley Bruce, at the secret Council meeting Herr Hitler’s reply, which it is understood very briefly accepted the invitation to attend the Council meeting, and stated that Herr Ribbentrop will attend the Council ou Thursday. In the meantime Dr. von Hoesch has been ‘•placed at the disposal of the Council.” The secret session of the Council lasted an hour. In opening the public session of the Council, Mr. Bruce read a telegram from Berlin accepting the invitation, and said, "I have asked Dr. von Hoesch to urge the German Government to' expedite the arrival of the delegation so that it will attend the meeting of the Council to-morrow. Meanwhile, on behalf of the Council, I have asked Dr. von Hoesch to sit heie to-night as an observer or a delegate.” Statements were made by the Turkish, Russian and Chilean members with reference to the resolution introduced last night by the French and Belgian delegates. Litvinoff Defends Paet. M. Litvinoff made a long speech, in the course of which he defended the Franco-Soviet Pact as being in conformity with tlie Covenant and the Locarno Treaty, and recalled that the Brittsh and Italian Governments so interpreted it. But Germany, lie averred, peremptorily declared that France, Great Britain, Belgium and Italy had interpreted it incorrectly, and that the only Correct interpretation Was ■her own. The Russian member concluded: “We stand for international agreement, which would not only consolidate the existing foundations of peace, but, if possible, would likewise create new foundations. We stand for the participation in such agreement of all countries wbicli so desire, but we object to the idea that withdrawal from the League or brutal infringement of international treaties should confer upon a State the privilege of dictating to the whole of Europe its conditions.”

The Chilean member spoke in favour ct reference of the question to the Hague Court for an advisory opinion. The Council adjourned till to-morrow afternoon. A vote on the Franco-Belgian resolution will not be taken till Thursday, and the German representative will have full facilities for stating the German ease.. > PLAIN SPEAKING Russian View of German Actions LEAGUE URGED TO ACT London, March 17. M. Litvinoff, Russian Foreign Minister speaking at the League Council, said : "The maimer in which Herr Hitler allows himself to speak publicly of the State I represent liberates me from the necessity of. resorting to circumlocution ami diplomatic niceties. The whole of Herr Hitler’s statements and proposals amount to the organisation of a campaign agamst the peoples of the Soviet and to the formation of a coalition against them of the whole of Europe and the whole world. Ills aggression may be aimed at other States in tlie immediate future. His attacks against the Soviet may be merely a smoke-screen for aggression which is being prepared against other States, but the fact that he selects the Soviet Union as a target for incessant attacks gives me th? right to speak openly. "The Soviet is even more interested Ilian others in the maintenance of peace, but it is also against hasty decisions dictated by fear rather than realities. The I.eague cannot be preserved if it does not cxceuteits own decisions, but, on the contrary, acctistoms an aggressor to ignore its recommendations. admonitions, and ■ warnings. Such a League will become a laughing stock, and may even become harmful, lulling the viguence of the nations. "The whole world knows that neither France nor (lie Soviet makes any claims, to German territory. There i>s no idea of encircling. Germany. "Herr Hitler’s peace pact proposals give me the impression that we are faced witli an attempt to divide Europe into two or more parts, witli tlie object of gunranteeinc non-aggressioii lor one part in order to acquire a free hand for dealing with tlie other parts. Such a system of pacts can only uicrease the security of tlie aggressor, and not tlie security of peace-loving nations. Certain people forgot Hint Locarno was a pact of non-aggrossion. not for 25 years, but for an indefinite period. Herr Hiller wants to retain for Germany all tlie Locarm benefits while depriving France and Belgium of their suarantcos thereunder."