EUROPEAN SITUATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1934, Page 5

EUROPEAN SITUATION

FRENCH POLICY OUTLINED

BY FOREIGN MINISTER [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] PARIS, December 1. “France fully agrees with the Soviet. regarding their co-operation. to safeguard European peace, especially in the East,” said M. Laval, Foreign Minister, speaking on foreign policy in the Chamber of Deputies, “but France will not substitute any bilateral agreement for international tion. Germany will again be invited under terms of equality with other countries, to participate in a pact for eastern mutual assistance. She can be assured of the same guarantee that she will give to associates in such a pact. I still hope Germany will collaborate with us and re-entei’ the League. Otherwise her moral responsibility will increase.” M. Laval added: Regarding the Saar, France will accept an international verdict. France’s policy has always been to remain within the League’s orbit. M. Bouillon said that France was in danger of falling into two errors. One was a belief that there was a new Germany, and secondly there was the belief that Geneva is sufficient to ensure peace. France must strengthen her military forces. “We are the most-threatened race in the -world,” he said.

M. Jean Goy said: A policy of despair means war for us ex-servicemen. There is a possibility of negotiation with Germany. Why not talk, since the hand is held out. That would not prevent us from being vigilant.

M. Laval made an important pronouncement on France’s attitude toward the Saar, in response to a, question by a Socialist deputy. M. Fontainer, who asked whether, if the Plebiscite favoured the status quo, would M. Laval propose that the Saar should ultimately return to Germany when the Hitlerite tyranny had ended.

M. Laval pointed out that if the status quo were maintained, the League Council would be the ruler of the Saar, the population of which could always appeal to the League for a return to Germany. France would not oppose a return in such an event.. M. Blum (Socialist) demanded that M. Laval revive a disarmament policy. He declared: “Some may admire Hitlerism, which only fills us with horror and execration. We consider it barbaric regression, but. in the interests of peace, we are prepared to shake hands, even though the hands are covered with blood. Neither France nor Europe will know security before the armaments race ends.” He added that M. Laval himself must take the initiative in resuming the interrupted disarmament conversations with Germany, and make constructive proposals. Military air craft should be suppressed, and civil aviation neutralised. The speech of the Minister had a mixed reception. The debate was adjourned.

PARIS CONVERSATION. PARIS, December 2. M. Laval received Herr Ribbentrop. It is believed that they discussed Franco-German relations. Herr Ribbentrop announces that he will return on December 12, accompanied by Herr Rudolph Hess, Hitler’s righthand mam JUGO-SLAV DETERMINATION. LONDON, November 30. The “Daily Herald’s” diplomatic correspondent says: “Jugo-Slavia has rejected both English and French counsels for moderation in hei' attitude. Sir J. Simon and Mr R. MacDonald visited .Prines Paul of Jugo-Slavia, who is here for the Royal wedding. Mr MacDonald urged Prince Paul to consent to such course, if the League Council passed a resolution in general terms condemning the protection of terrorist organisations and appointed a committee to enquire into the Jugoslavian charges and the Hungarian replies as to methods of dealing with terrorists by international action. Prince Paul replied that public opinion was such that such action would be bound to cause a'revolution against the Government in Jugoslavia, which was bound to insist that the League Council should affirm that Hungary was responsible for acts of terrorists she had sheltered. He said there must be a trial and punishment of accessories in Croat terrors.

REPORT DENIED. '■'RUGBY, December 1. It is stated in official quarters in London that the report purporting to give an account of private conversations between Mr Ramsay MacDonald and the Prince-Regent of Yqgo-Slavia was an invention, and contained not a word of truth. The report alleged that counsels of moderation had been urged upon the Yugo-Slav Government and rejected by Prince Paul.

A FIRST STEP. (Recd. December 3, 9.30 p.m.) BELGRADE, December 1. Newspapers announce that the Government is about to renounce the customs agreement with Hungary, adding that Rumania and Czecho-Slovakia are expected to take similar action. INSURANCE ESTIMATES. LONDON, December 1. The quotations of Lloyd’s underwriters as against the risk of Britain being involved in an outbreak of war within one year with any European Power are 25 to 1, whereas for the risk between any two European Powers the quotation approximates 7 to 1 to 10 to 1. The risk of a. FrancoGerman conflict costs 15s to 1. The “Daily Express” says a good deal of “warrish” business has been done at Lloyd’s in recent weeks. Most of the policies have been taken out by people with European business interests, and the bulk of them are based on the possibility of war between France and Germany. Once the Saar plebiscite is over the odds against war will lengthen and the premiums become considerably lower. LEAGUE AND PEACE. RUGBY, December 1. In his speech at Dumfries, Sir J. Simon referred to the international I situation. He deprecated talk about

war, which, Hp said, did not make for peace. He emphasised that the League was the chief instrument for the promotion of peace, and that it was a cardinal point of the British Government’s policy, to support and extend the authority of the League. ITALIAN CONSCRIPTION

(Recd. Dec. 3, 1 p.m.). RQME, December 2. A new mobilisation order reduces conscription for cavalry, artillery, and Bersagliers from eighteen to twelve months, but greatly increases the number of men liable for military training. U.S.A. FLEET. WASHINGTON, Devember 1. The annual report of the affairs of the Navy Department, issued by Secretary Swanson, reiterates his pre-viously-voiced contention that America’s national interests require a fleet ‘second to none.” He recommended the construction programme designed to bring the Navy to full Treaty strength with the greatest despatch. He said, that while seventy ships are now under construction, or are projected, seventy-eight more are required to maintain the Treaty ratios. He urged that the keels of these be laid not later than 1939 to attain Treaty strength by 1942. In answer to the agitation for the amalgamation of the Army and Navy Air Services, he said that the Navy Flying Corps was efficient, and opposed a unified service.

SPEEDY TANKERS. NEW YORK, December 1. It is learned that the United States’ contemplated naval building in 1936 includes several tankers capable of keeping up with a fast-moving battle fleet. It is understood that there are only a few privately-owned American tankers capable of speeding fifteen knots an hour, which could be commandeered in time of war. High naval officers have long been aware that the American Fleet would be at a disadvantage in long-distance operations, due to a scarcity of bases. SINGAPORE MANOEUVRES (Recd. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.). SINGAPORE, December 1. The Army, Naval and Air Force bases at Singapore are coming into their own on December 13, when the biggest combined manoeuvres will begin. These are designed severely to test the strength of the Singapore defences and afford lessons in strategy, in view of recent developments here. The Navy is attacking with twentyone warships from the China station. The manoeuvres will occupy three days. The full strength of the Air Force will be available for defence. This is the first time, that the naval base, which is nearing completion, has been used for practical purposes.

EMPIRE EXPENDITURE ? LONDON, December 2. The political correspondent of “The People” says: The coming Army, Navy and Air Force estimates will include an Empire-defence scheme, which will eventually cost Britain alone £150,000,000. Sir Maurice Hankey has already reported to Cabinet. Under the new scheme, all the Dominions will increase their air forces, which will be available for the defence of Britain if needed.