LOCARNO TREATIES

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 96, 19 October 1935, Page 9

LOCARNO TREATIES

FUTURE SECUEITY

CONTINENTAL ANXIETY

j (Received October 19. 11.45 a.m:') | LONDON, October 18. i Britain's questiohs to M. Laval raise major European issues, including the future of the Locarno Treaties. The "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent understands that Britain has taken the opportunity to rejmind M. Laval that if France is not prepared to carry out her obligations in the letter and spirit of the League Covenant, she cannot be surprised if Britain reconsiders her interpretation of Locarno. The French general staff is reported to be irritated by M. Laval's vacillation. They consider it folly to jeopardise France's friendship with England, thus completely reversing past policy. The French Press takes a similar view and insists that M. Laval replyfavourably to Britain. ITALY APPREHENSIVE. | A Rome message states that Italy is also becoming apprehensive for the Locarno treaty, which she regards as the only real guarantee of peace and a vital link between the great European Powers. Signor Gayda, in contrast with his recent attacks on Britain, writes: "It is no longer a question of the wretched Abyssinian affair, but of how the foundations of the political and spiritual system of Europe of to- | morrow shall be laid."

Geneva reports that it is generally considered in Leaglic circles that behind Britain's questions to M. Laval lies a determination to suggest a blockade of the Suez Canal if the sanctions fail. Reports from Suez suggest that Italy is preparing for the contingency, and has converted the port of Massawa into a formidable stronghold rt'ilh batteries o£ ism guns with a range of twenty miles, while guns capable of dealing with destroyers and light cruisers command the bay. At least five submarines art patrolling the Red Sea and over five hundred aeroplanes are assembled in East Africa- The sea Is a solid mass of ships for a mile around Massawa.