EUROPEAN ACCORD

Evening Star, Issue 21994, 2 April 1935, Page 9

EUROPEAN ACCORD

POTENT INFLUENCE OF BRITAIN RECUGMITIOK BY RUSSIAN LEADER Pres* Association—By Telegraph.—Copyright LONDON, April 1. The ■ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent, cabling from Moscow, says: “The communique sufficiently expresses the satisfactory nature and wide scope 'of the accord established. It is intended to name a station in Moscow’s elaborate new underground railway after Captain Eden, who departed for Warsaw with M. Litvinoff’s enthusiastic farewell. ‘I wish you success. Your success will be our success now.’ he said. •“ The Soviet is anxious to secure an unequivocal statement of Britain’s benevolent attitude towards an eastern security pact concluded without Germany, but open to her adherence at any time. This obliged Captain Eden to insist that he was unable, to pledge the attitude of the British Government before Cabinet discussions in London. The text of the communique emphasises the important contribution which M. Stalin made to the talks. 1 gather that M. Stalin impressed the British delegates not only by his clear grasp of international affairs, but by his appreciation of the points of view of other countries. This is fortunate, as it enabled M. Stalin to appreciate why Britain could not be regarded as an active participant in an eastern security system at the present stage. It is believed .that M. Stalin on his own inititive indicated his personal belief that the existence of the Britisli Empire was regarded by the Soviet as important for world stability. The delegates left impressed by the self-con-fidence and calm of a man wielding so powerful an influence on Soviet destinies.”

The Moscow correspondent of ‘ The Times’ says: “The communique clearly reflects the improved AngloSoviet relations. Captain Eden, replying to M. Stalin’s questions, expressed the opinion that there was less danger of war now than in 1914. M. Stalin', on the contrary, pointed out that in 1914 only one nation’s expansionist ambitions held danger of war, whereas in 1935 there were two—namely, Germany and Japan. Nevertheless, M. Stalin respected the qualities of the German people and declared that "any attempt to isolate Germany would be vain. M. Stalin, spreading out a map of Europe and Asia, remarked that it seemed strange to think that the issue of peace or war lay in the hands of the tiny island of England. An important part of Captain Eden’s task was in allaying the Russian fear that Germany had inclined Britain to cool off in regard to an eastern security proposal which would be binding on Germany. The question of Communist propaganda was barely discussed. Russia is convinced that the British Empire is the greatest peace factor, and does not wish to undermine the Empire’s integrity so long as Russia’s integrity is not menaced. The Russians gave the impression that they desired only to be left in peace to continue the enormous task of reconstruction.” ANGLD-RUSSIAN BOND UNEASINESS IN GERMANY LONDON, April, 1. The Berlin correspondent of the British United Press says: “ While official Germany is not taking cognisance of the Moscow communique, there is uneasiness among the German-speaking public over the growing sympathy between Britain and Russia.” DOMINION GOVERNMENTS TO BE KEPT INFORMED OF SITUATION (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 1. (Received April 2, at 12.30 p.m.) Mr J. H. Thomas, Secretary for the Dominions, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, said that every effort would be made to keep the Governments of the dominions in touch with the policy and action of the Government of the United Kingdom in respect to foreign affairs. He had no indication that any of them dissented from the general foreign policy being pursued by the British Government. UNIQUE SERIES Of VISITS VALUABLE CONTACTS ESTABLISHED ‘(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 1. (Received April 2, at 12.30 p.m.) A long and important communique issued at the end of the Moscow talks stated that these had related to the principal elements in the present international situation, including the proposed Eastern pact and other questions set forth in the Anglo-French communique of February 8, as well as regards the further development and improvement of Anglo-Soviet relations. In the light of these considerations Captain Eden and MM. Stalin, Mol ofoff, and Litvinoff were confirmed in their opinion that the friendly cooperation of the two countries in the general work for the collective organisation of peace and security was of primary importance for the furtherance of international efforts. To this ehd, on Captain Eden’s return, the European situation will be subjected to careful study by the British Government in the light of the reports submitted by him to the Foreign Secretary. The value of tiiis unique series of visits to the foreign capitals is fully recognised.

The contacts established have served the purpose expected of them, and the views of the various Powers are more clearly understood. The whole field will be further surveyed in the Anglo-French-Italian conference at Stresa next week, and another opportunity for exchanges of views between the statesmen will arise at the special meeting of the League Council at Geneva a few days later. The importance attached by the Soviet Government to the* maintenance of peaoe by the system of collective security, operating through the League of Nations, is noted with satisfaction, and on this, as on other matters dealt with in the Anglo-French declaration of February 3, a frank exchange of views revealed that there is at present no, conflict of interest between the two Governments. HAIL, MOSCOW! A CHORUS OF PRAISE Pres* Aswciation—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 1. (Received April 2, at 10.10 a.m.) The entire British Press enthusiastically hails the Moscow conversations. There is not a single word of dissent, strikingly contrasting with the position a few months ago, when often there was a discordant note, and frequently hostility against everything emanating from the Soviet. A section of the Press which for years was bitterly opposed to the Soviet to-day significantly acclaims the conversations. GERMANY'S ARMY VIGOROUS POLICY INITIATED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright BERLIN, April 1. (Received April 2, at 10.10 a.m.) Conscription began to-day with the calling up of 550,000 men. It will bo spread over several weeks. The total strength is more likely to reach 750,000 than the estimated 500,000. Barracks are being erected throughout Germany. INSTRUCTIONS TO RUSSIAN PRESS " BURY THE HATCHET " Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 1. (Received April 2, at 1.30 p.m.) The Riga correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says that the friendship to England continues to dominate Soviet official life. The Press has been instructed to “ bury the hatchet,” and is printing appreciative articles emphasising that the Anglo-Russian foreign policies possess numerous points in common apd few conflicting ones because both are based on the determination to preserve peace. The papers declare that such personal contacts as Captain Eden’s are the surest methods of tackling international problems.