“NOTABLE PROGRESS”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 150, 20 March 1936, Page 10

“NOTABLE PROGRESS”

It is stated that "notable progress” has been made with the draft ( of a general agreement at the meeting of the Locarno Powers. This probably refers to the proceedings held up to the time of the arrival of the German delegation, as it is difficult to imagine that Germany would agree to the suggestions (reported only, not official') that there should be a demilitarised zone only on the German side of the frontier, policed by international troops; or. if the proposed boundary of the zone were to follow the French frontier instead of the Rhine, that France would agree. It is further reported that Germany will decline to have the question of the Franco-Russian Pact referred to the World Court for a ruling upon the allegation that it is a breach of the Locarno Treaty; but the chances are she will concede that point. One of the questions under discussion is whether, pending a general settlement with Germany, there should be a collaboration of the British and French war staffs having in view as a precautionary measure the British guarantee of assistance becoming automatically effective in the event of an attack by Germany. Under the terms of the guarantee as set out in the Locarno Treaty, certain formalities must be complied with before the guarantee can become operative. The suggestion that it should be made automatic indicates that the tension must be very acute. The most important development now pending is Herr Ribbentrop's statement to the conference. It may safely be said in anticipation that in that statement demands will be made much in excess of what the other Locarno Powers will be prepared to concede, or even to discuss. Then will ensue an interval of negotiation which may end in failure. In such an event the prospect will become much less favourable.