THREE PHASES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 150, 20 March 1936, Page 11

THREE PHASES

Probable Course Of Events PREPARATORY PERIOD No General Negotiations. For Present i (Received .March 19. 5.5 p.m.) London, March 18. The political correspondent of “The Times” says that for various ' reasons, notably French and German elections, general negotiations for a new western European settlement cannot he begun in the immediate future. Three phases are therefore ensivaged: First, the presentphase in which tlie League Council is asked to pronounce on the German violation of treaties. Secondlj, on interim phase of preparation for future negotiations. Thirdly, actual negotiations. Tlie Locarno Pact signatories are at present trying to draft an agreed programme indicating, first, the measures to be applied during the interim phase; and secondly, methods and stages regarded as appropriate for negotiating a settlement and the final objectives which the negotiators should endeavour to reach. The British suggestion for a neutral zone under the protection oi an interuational police force along the western frontier of Germany was intended to apply only to the phases preceding a final settlement. It was thought that such a measure might ensure the removal of all local friction and eliminate any danger of an armed incursion. The suggestion was quickly transformed during the latter discussion, but the idea behind it is still iu existence.

One proposal known to have been mentioned is a thin line of Italian and British troops along the Rhineland frontier. Britain and Italy being the least affected Locarno Powers. Anol her British suggestion was that Germany should undertake not to construct fortifications. This again was ii.tended as a temporary measure pending a general settlement.

The question of French and Belgian security was also considered in two aspects, namely, temporary and permanent. The British Government (again (lending a general settlement) may give France and Belgium more explicit assurance of its full observance of its Locarno Pact obligations. It is even conceivable that it might agree to make operation of the Locarno guarantee automatic, which necessitates consultations between tlie general staffs. Tlie British Government is of opinion that the Council to-morrow should proceed to vote on the Franco-Belgian resolution asking it to take note of Germany’s infraction of treaties. It will then clearly lie necessary to take a decision on procedure, which must depend partly on tlie latest conclusions of the Locarno signatories and partly on Herr von Ribbentrop's expected speech. The Parts Press shows great bitterness, emphasising that Britain does not realise the seriousness of (he European situation. Semi-olliei.il circles in Paris, commenting on Hie British plan, point out Hint whoever devised ll I.s ignorant of French psychology and that France will never agree to foreign forces policing her territory. Germany will probably take a similar view and will add proposals which will leave France's allies at tlie mercy of Germany.