DISARMAMENT PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 21714, 8 May 1934, Page 7

DISARMAMENT PROBLEM

BRITAIN'S POLICY NEW DRAFT PLAN Press ’Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 7. The ‘Daily Telegraph 1 says; “The Cabinet on Tuesday Trill discuss the policy which will be advocated at Geneva when the Disarmament Conference reassembles on May 29. A Ministerial committee has concentrated attention on a new draft plan designed to extend the existing European security guarantees in the hope that British participation will induce highlyarmed States to agree to limitation of armaments. Mr Ramsay MacDonald is favourable, but the majority of Ministers aro unsympathetic, and urge that the House of Commons will never give its assent. Mr MacDonald himself is impressed by the adverse comments of the dominions on such a proposal. Meanwhile the French attitude .is changing. As the result of inquiries the French General Staff now believes that ' French defences are superior to any potential German attack. Moreover, Germany’s economic plight is so grave that the time when she will be strong enough to attack France is somewhat remote. Thus Franco is confident of her ability to hi ok after herself. In these circumstances Cabinet circles are of the opinion that the British role at Geneva must be more passive.’ 1