EUROPEAN PEACE PACT

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 January 1935, Page 3

EUROPEAN PEACE PACT

A HITCH REPORTED. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, January 31. Although th a newspapers report that certaiir last minute difficulties have been encountered in the negotiations designed to achieve a settlement of Franco-Italian issues, and produce a diplomatic instrument by ; which the independence of Austria and the preservation of peace in South and Central Europe would be assured, it is confidently believed in London that these outstanding points will be successfully resolved. The major issues are so important that in best-informed circles, it is regarded as inconceivable that. a breakdown should occur on what are believed to bo matters of comparatively minor importance. The aim of the negotiations broadly stated is to produce a pact whereby Italy, Yugo-Slavia, Germany, Czecho-Slovakia, and Hungary, as Austria’s neighbours, should guarantee her political independence and territorial integrity and each other's frontiers against violation. Further weight is being given to these undertakings by France and Rcumt'.nia, who without assuming in the first, instance responsibility such as would he undertaken by the five other guarantors, would however, give their support. For a considerable time past, Brit, ish policy has been directed at the promoting of an improvement in Franco-Italian relations, and other measures designed to improve the European atmosphere. Active interest has been token in the present negotiations and practical suggestions designed to facilitate their progress were made in the course of recent conversations in Paris between Sir J. Simon and M. Flandin and M. Laval. Close touch, meanwhile, is being maintained with Rome through the British Ambassador there. Referring to the question of a possible German and Hungarian adherence to the pact, the Diplomatic Correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph says: "While other States are determined to proceed with their plan spectivo of German co-operation. all arc agreed that confidence cannot be established if Germany elects to hold aloof. The British Government, holds this view very strongly. It will use all its influence to secure German adherence. Having for so long striven by diplomatic action to assist European pacification along these lines. Britain will not allow the present plan to fail for luck of positive l.ntish assistance. The '"Telegraph" correspondent i<calls the Anglo-Italian initiative which led to the conclusion of the Four Power Paet between BVitain. France. Italy and Germany in July 1'133 as an instance of the earlier elfort made by Britain to create "a re•nine of security.” with which Gernrinv was to realise her “equality of ri'-hts” in the matter of armaments. The "Telegraph” also mentions the efforts Britain made last April, when having modified the draft of the Disarmament Convention to meet German wishes, she endeavoured to .-ecure French acceptance by offers ot extended ‘ security guarantees. France, under M. Barthou. was prepared to reject both. The position.

adds the newspaper, has lately been reviewed afresh by the British Government. 1 hough its action must largely he determined by the. course of events.

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