THROUGH THE LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 88, 13 April 1935, Page 9

THROUGH THE LEAGUE

Gdl/IECTiVE SECURITY

AGREEMENT ON PRINCIPLES

(British OfHclaMV'ireless.) t - (Received April 13, noon.) RUGBY, April 12.

It is anticipated that Signor Mussolini, who presides over the conference, will today give an expose of Italian views on the European situation. The first day's proceedings of the conference are believed to have been propitious and useful. They included a clear statement from Mr. Mac Donald, giving the main outline of British policy. It is . authoritatively stated that the British Prime Minister emphasised that Britain's desire at the conference was to demonstrate the solidarity of purpose between the three Governments represented at Stresa, and to remove all doubts that any country can assume in furtherance of its own interests that Britain, France, and Italy can be divided in any policy which can strengthen, and secure European peace. ' i

One of the main objects of the tours undertaken by British Ministers was not to display compliance in regard to Germany's recent policy, but to discover whether a reasonable hope existed of persuading her to resume local co-operatioji with the League members in constructing and strengthening the organisation for maintaining peace in Europe. Britain regards the League as an organisation through which negotiations should be conducted, and effect given to international agreements with this object.

The principle of collective security is in the forefront of British policy, and she is willing to make her contribution to that principle in every way that is possible and practicable. She will continue to strive for an international armaments agreement, and is prepared to accept armaments supervision by the League body. While Britain is extremely anxious that Germany should return to the League, this object should not be attained on conditions that would do more harm than good by diminishing European confidence, which is the only basis on which peace can be- built up in Europe. It is understood that the French and Italian! delegates were gratified by the Prime Minister's statement,' which showed that the three Powers were agreed on broad principle. |