AERIAL PACT

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1935, Page 7

AERIAL PACT

DISCUSSION IN COMMONS [by CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] RUGBY, May 30. Chief interest in the foreign affairs debate, which -will take place in the Commons, to-morrow, is centred in the speech which will be delivered by Sir J. Simon, who, it is anticipated, will give information regarding the position of the proposed air pact for Western Europe between the Locarno Powers. The project was first put forward in the Anglo-French declaration of London, of February 3, with the object of reinforcing peace, ahd it was stated that Italy, Germany and Belgium were to be invited to consider with them whether such a convention might not be promptly negotiated. The project was, accordingly, one of the subjects discussed during the visit of Sir J. Simon and Mr. Eden to Berlin. Later, at the Stresa Conference, it was agreed to continue the study of the question, with a view to drafting an air pact with the five Powers mentioned in the London communique, and of any bilateral agreements which might accompany it. The British Government since have made the promotion of an air pact, one of the objects of their most earnest endeavour. A draft pact has been prepared by the British Government for discussion, and yesterday, Germany’s proposals for the pact were handed to Sir J. Simon by the German Ambassador. It is understood that the German Government is in communication with the other Powers concerned, and it is presumed this draft has been communicated to them.

HOUSTON’S OFFER DECLINED.

(Recd. May 31, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 30.

Mr Neville Chamberlain has declined Lady Houston’s offer of £200,000 z for the air defence of London, but is willing to accept it as a contribution to the general revenue.