DOWNRIGHT IN TONE

Evening Star, Issue 22780, 15 October 1937, Page 9

DOWNRIGHT IN TONE

FRENCH NOTE TO BRITAIN * POLICY IN MEDITERRANEAN Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, October 14. (Received October 15, at 11.15 a.m.) M. Lebrun presided over an important Cabinet meeting to which the defence chiefs were summoned. M. Delbos outlined the contemplated Franco-British proposals regarding Spain, and Cabinet unanimously approved of the text of the Note on them to Britain. France favours making the Non-inter-vention Committee talks as short as possble. Meanwhile it is likely that consultations between French and British defence experts will take place. Britain recognises that it is of vital importance that there should be no threat to French communications. It is understood that the French Note to Britain is exti-emoly downright in tone regarding French policy in the Mediterranean. It declares unequivocally that France has agreed to refer the withdrawal of volunteers to the Non-intervention Committee solely at London’s request. The discussions must be considered a final effort and dilatory methods must be firmly excluded. FRENCH DEFENCE SYSTEM IMPORTANCE OF MINORCALONDON, October 14. (Received October 15, at 1 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Paris correspondent says France makes it clear that she cannot under any circumstances tolerate Italian occupation of Minorca, which would strike at the very roots of the French defence system. Prompt reinforcements, from Africa are essential to the French military policy and transports pass between Sardinia and Minorca within sight of Minorca. It has long been an open secret that Majorca is strongly held by 200 Italian planes and that the garrison is a base for Italian warships. The French Government has not suggested the occupation of Minorca, but that Anglo-French warships be stationed at Port Mahon to watch developments.