EMPIRE’S FOREIGN POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 May 1935, Page 7

EMPIRE’S FOREIGN POLICY

OVERSEAS CONSULTATION “NO ANTI-GERMAN BLOC” [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] (Recd. May 8, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 7. Unanimity of the Dominions’ opinion that there should be no antiGermanbloc, but that efforts to create collective security in Europe should be persisted in, was expressed at today’s meeting of English and Dominion Ministers. The meeting lasted two hours. The Dominions took an equally strong stand against the theory of Britain and the Empire saving themselves by splendid isolation. While General Hertzog’s attitude naturally leaned further towards Germany than that of the other Dominion Ministers, they were unanimous that Germany should be treated as an equal with other negotiators, and that tnte door should be kept open for her. All the Empire spokesmen, nevertheless, concurred that Germany must share the responsibility for the present state of uneasiness by the character of her recent decisions and the unfortunate moments chosen in which to pronounce them. Dominion Ministers agreed that no scheme of European peace was worth while unless Germany was a willing and helpful partner. It is understood that the Dominions expressed substantial agreement on the British policy up to the Stresa Conference, but Australia, for one, considered that some aspects of the Geneva resolution of April 17 were undesirable.

The question of Dominion commitments in Europe did not arise, but probably will be introduced on Thursday, when the meeting will be resumed. This will be the last meeting at which all the Dominion Prime Ministers will be present, as Mr Bennett will return to Canada on Friday.

LOCARNO OBLIGATIONS. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, May 7. In the Commons, to-day, asked whether in the event of any alteration by Germany in the demilitarised zone under the Treaty of Versailles, it was to be understood that Britain would immediately go to the assistance of France, with the whole of her armed forces, under the Treaty of Locarno, Sir J. Simon said the circumstances in which the British guarantee under the Treaty of Locarno would operate were specified in that treaty itself, as stated in the Anglo-Italian declaration embodied in the resolution of the Stresa Conference. The British Government would stand by all then’ obligations under the Treaty of Locarno, and intend, should the need arise, faithfully to fulfil them. The Prime Minister, replying to a Parliamentary question, said the Government were very anxious to put the House and country in possession of all available information in regard to Germany’s air development/ This could nob however, be conveniently done in the form of a White Paper. As full a statement as possible would be made early in the forthcoming debate.

DANUBIAN CONFERENCE VENICE, May 6. Signor JSuvich states the conference reached an agreement for the drafting of proposals for a pact of non-interfer-ence, which it is hoped to present to a Danubian conference that is being held shortly. FRANCO-RUSSIAN PACT. PARIS, May 7. It is officially denied that the Franco-Soviet treaty contains secret clauses, or that France considered the question of a loan to Russia. The statement adds that the text of the agreement has been fullj r published. ITALIAN MOBILISATION (Rec. May 8. 11.30 a.m.) ROME, May 7. Mussolini has ordered the mobilisation of additional troops. The official announcement says: “Owing to the large supplies of arms sent to Addis Ababa by several European factories, the Abyssinian mobilisation measures and recent speech of the Emperor precautionary measures must be taken to guarantee the security of our East African Colonies.’’ Italy therefore has mobilised one army and two militia divisions. The order adds many thousands to those already on a war footing. The Under Secretary to War, stated in March that within a month there would be six hundred men with the colours.