EVENT IN DIPLOMATIC HISTORY

Evening Star, Issue 21945, 4 February 1935, Page 9

EVENT IN DIPLOMATIC HISTORY

ORGANISATION OF EUROPEAN SECURITY PLANNED LONDON, February 3. (Received February 4, at 1 p.m.) M. Laval broadcast the results of the conversations throughout France from London, after which he talked to newspaper men, with the microphone switched on, enabling France to listenin. He emphasised Anglo-French friendship, its unity and solidarity. He expressed the opinion that, after the Saar and Rome agreements, the London conversations would mark an important date in diplomatic history. He said: “M. Flandin and myself whole-heartedly hope that the results will be cordially welcomed, especially by Germany, who, we trust, will respond to our pressing call. It is the Anglo-French hope to pursue and achieve methodically the organisation of European security. We worked hard for peace.” The proposed aerial pact has already been communicated to Germany, Italy, and Belgium. FRENCH PRESS IMPRESSED PARIS, February 3. (Received February 4, at 1 p.m.) The newspapers generally acclaim the success of the discussions. The ‘ Temps ’ characterises them as equalling the importance of the Rome agreements, but adds that they must not be interpreted as a French-British solution imposed on other nations, but as a recommendation of the methods most suitable to produce a general settlement.

“It is a great step towards the CO2l- - of peace,” the 1 Intransigeant ’ declares. “ Everything will now be changed in international relations. Aviation is the mistress of peace, and can police the world.”

The ‘ Journal des Debats ’ laments the recognition of German rearmament as due to successful blackmailing, but expresses the opinion that an air agreement will be more valuable than the Locarno Pact. The ‘ Populaire ’ says the solution is satisfactory if it can be fully realised. "AERIAL LOCARNft" AGREEMENT HANDED TO ITALY ADD GERMANY LONDON, February 3. (Received February 4, at 1.20 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent points out that the “aerial Locarno” proposal provides for Britain a guarantee of anti-agres-sion not inherent in the original treaty. It is emphasised that the projected pact is not a Franco-British fait accompli, but a proposal submitted to Germany for consideration, which she, is asked to join on terms of absolute equality. This should preclude any question of affront, and development would now proceed through diplomatic channels. The text of the Anglo-French agreement was handed to Signor Mussolini and Horr Hitler to-night. The ‘Daily Telegraph’s ’ Rome correspondent states that there is every reason to believe that Signor Mussolini will accept the proposals for an “ aerial Locarno ” as the basis of conversations between the British, French, German, and Belgian Governments. The Germans are now speculating as to whether the question of return of her colonies may be raised in connection with Herr Hitler’s demand for equality or rights. NEW STARTING POINT TOWARDS PEACE LONDON. February 3. (Received February 4, at 1 p.m.) The ‘ Chronicle,’ in a leader, says the Anglo-French suggestions are ingenious and well considered, and should be a new starting point towards European peace. Germany should see in them no vestige of hostility or encirclement, hut an honourable means of facilitating her return to the comity of nations. EARLIER MESSAGES SECURITY SYSTEM BEING DEVISED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 2. (Received February 4, at noon.) The Anglo-French conversations are proceeding in the strictest secrecy, but it is understood that they are directed to achieving an agreement on a plan in which it is believed no country will be justified, on the grounds of prestige, in declining to take part. It may further be said that a security system is taking shape designed to establish the fullest equality for all nations, and there is complete agreement between Franco and Britain that whatever final solution is found for legalising the rearmament which has taken place in Germany in contravention of her Treaty obligations, the procedure adopted must lead back to the machinery of the League of Nations. The reports that M. Flandin would place before Mr Chamberlain plans for linking sterling and the franc are discounted in authoritative quarters. The view taken by the Chancellor is that stabilisation should not be attempted while the present disharmony between the dollar and the franc exists. As a preliminary to that step such a change in price levels as would correct this inharmonious relationship must be awaited. DISARMAMENT PROBLEMS RUGBY, February 2. (Received February 4, at noon.) M. Laval, accompanied by M. Massagli, called upon Mr Henderson (president of the Disarmament Conference) the London office .the League

Nations. They reviewed together the present position in light of events which have taken place since the last meeting of the Bureau of the Conference, and considered whether circumstances called for any change in piocedure then agreed upon. It was felt that as the committees dealing with the trade in and the manufacture of armaments, Budgetary publicity, and miscellaneous provisions, including the establishment of a permanent Disarmament Commission and the question of control were to meet within the next few weeks, there was no need for any change in procedure at present. OBSTACLES TO DISARMAMENT CONVENTION LONDON, February 3. (Received February 4, at 10.30 a.m.) The ‘ Observer's ’ Paris correspondent says it is believed that four developments during the last twenty-four hours have dispelled the possibility of reaching a disarmament convention with Germany. Firstly, Germany informed Britain that she in no case would return to the League; secondly, Herr Hitler told the British Ambassador that in view of Russia’s increased army, Germany’s army of 400,000 was insufficient; thirdly, the existence of the Russian army was troubling Britain ; and fourthly, Poland’s refusal, after the visit of General Goering, to participate in France’s proposed Eastern Pact. VISITING MINISTERS ENTERTAINED HIGH HOPES OF AGREEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 1. The Anglo-French conversations which were begun this morning were continued this afternoon. After the several Ministers *parated the following joint communique was issued :—“ The Prime Minister and Mr Baldwin, Sir John Simon, and Captain Eden met M. Flandin and M. Laval at 10 Downing Street to-day. Two meetings were devoted to a general examination of the principal questions of European policy. The Ministers were glad to note the spirit of friendly confidence in which the exchange of views was being undertaken and pursued.” His Majesty’s Government gave a dinner to-night in honour of M. Flandin and M. Laval, the Prime Minister presiding. The guests numbered over seventy. " EVERYTHING GOING WELL " PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS LONDON, February 2. “ Everything is going 'well, but the discussions are not finished,” said Sir John Simon when he left No. 10 Downing Street at 8 p.m., after the AngloFrench conversations, which lasted for five hours. The French Ministers hurried out to dine before the resumption at 9.30. The day’s surprise was the sudden summoning of Cabinet —an unusual event for a Saturday—after the morning’s negotiations, which were informally carried on till lunch time. The Cabinet meeting lasted fifteen minutes. Members, it is reported, have been shown a secret dossier, prepared by the French General Staff, scheduling the German military forces. The continuance of negotiations after dinner necessitated M. Flandid postponing his visit to Sir Gomer Berry at Farnham, where Mr Neville Chamberlain was also a guest. M. Flandin is going to Farnham to-morrow, where he is expected to discuss financial affairs with Mr Neville Chamberlain. M. Laval is expected to leave for home in the morning. He visited Mr Arthur Henderson and discussed the continuance of the Disarmament Bureau’s work. IMPORTANT PROPOSALS INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IN SIGHT LONDON, February 3. The Anglo-French conversations were resumed at 9.40 p.m., and broke up at 11.45. Sir John Simon said: “We shall have to sit again to-morrow. The discussions will be resumed at 4.30 p.m. M. Laval has postponed his departure until Monday.” The French Ministers remained for more than an hour engaged in telephone conversations with Paris and talking to French journalists. It has been learned from the authoritative source that the conversations proceeded satisfactorily. An agreement has virtually been reached or will be concluded to-day, after which a communique will be issued. It is stated from well-informed French sources that the proposals drawn up for an air convention between England and France met with a substantial measure of agreement. In respect to this question, details remain to be worked out by experts of both countries. It is also suggested that the communique will incorporate a proposal for the cancellation of the (military clauses in the Versailles Treaty, with the exception of the demilitarisation of the left hank of the Rhine. The general atmosphere among the French representatives appeared to be one of satisfaction. It is emphasised that no formal pact has been prepared, but one French authority said: “We realised a high measure of agreement.” The Paris Havas Agency states that an Agreement is assured on the lines of a convention limiting armaments and replacing the military clauses of the Versailles Treaty. The parties aim at the completion of Danubian and Eastern pacts, Germany’s return to the League of Nations, and a defensive air agreement to which Germany, Belgium, and Italy will be asked to adhere. This will retain its validity even if Germany refuses I® fta