DISARMAMENT DIFFERENCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 October 1933, Page 7

DISARMAMENT DIFFERENCES

FRANCO-GERMAN TERMS WIDE GAP TO BE BRIDGED [OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, September 30, The Disarmament conversations in Geneva, in which Sir J. Simon again ' took a prominent part, were suspended ' last night, on the departure of the German delegates for Berlin, where Baron Von Neurath will put -his Government in possession of the latest facts of the discussion. It is hoped that the Germans will return to Geneva next week, and the importance which attaches to the reply they will bring is fully recognised in view of the fact that the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference is due to meet the following Week. The questions in dispute between the French and Germans have been narrowed 1 down, but divergencies on those which remain are understood«to be wide. Geneva reports suggest that the principle of supervision .of-anna-

inents as proposed by the French,’ if equally applied, is Germany, but : the .interpretation ;<of Germany’s claim - to' equal' fight^.;Y , aises difficulties'. The French view provided for a limitation at the present level with an eventual reduction within a limited period of all armaments, effectives and military expenditure, after a general permament control had been set up, and provided the trial period gave gooff results, and that there were some guarantees • for security. The Germans, on the other hand, are understood to claim that the principle of equality of rights entitles them to possession of “samples” of all armaments, including those forbidden her by the Treaty of Versailles 1 . SECRET NEGOTIATIONS. (Recd. October 2, 8 a.m.) GENEVA, September 30. The General Assembly debate is expected to conclude" on Monday after the council elections. - British circles anticipate a definite outcome of all negotiations about the middle of next week. The local press declares that Hejrr Goebbels prior to returning to Berlin, had a long secret talk with a.member of the French delegation, It is, however, recognised that Paris and Berlin are the centres where the vital discussions will take place, within' a few days, and the disamament conversations are meantime suspended to enable the German delegation to place the facts in its possession before their own Government. Sir J. Simon and Captain Eden are returning to London, on Monday. GERMANY’S INSISTENCE. GENEVA, September 29. Before departing for Berlin, Herr Von Neurath told the Press that Ger- . many will claim the right to erect and arm defensive fortifications on hereastern borders. It is learned from other sourcesithat Germany intends to insist, on having: ' possession of scouting aeroplanes and anti-aircraft gtms. The opinion is expressed that a crisis will come when Berlin’s counter-proposals are formally presented.

NEAR THE PRECIPICE ? I ■ ! LONDON, October 1. A member of the House of Commons, Mr. Mabane, after two months’ investigation in Europe, writes to “The Referee”; “Europe stands on the very lip of the precipice of war, which can 'only be averted by a revision of the peace treaties.”