APPEASEMENT POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 April 1938, Page 7

APPEASEMENT POLICY

ANGLO-FRENCH DISCUSSIONS FULL AGREEMENT CLAIMED [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] j. RUGBY, April 28. A communique issued this evening states: “M. Daladier' and M. Bonnet, who were accompanied by M. Corbin, met Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax at 10 Downing Street. A full agreement was reached on all points discussed, and the meeting will be resumed, to-morrow.” It is understood that included in the subjects discussed by the statesmen of the two countries, was the An-glo-Italian agreement, on the conclusion of which the French ministers congratulated Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax, besides giving some account of the prospects of French-Italian conversations. ■' ’ The procedure at the forthcoming meeting of the League Council, at which the clarification of the situation arising out of the Italian conquest of Ethiopia will be considered, on the British initiative, was another mattei 1 on which views were exchanged. A preliminary discussion of the situation in Spain took place, and will be resumed to-morrow. >

This evening the French Ministers t were the guests of the King and Queen 3 at Windsor- Castje. Lord Halifax was 3 also at ' 1 The French Prime Minister, told newspapermen, before proceeding to . Windsor that to-day’s conversations 5 had been most cordial, and full ac- > cord had been reached on all import- [ ant points. I The two recent agreements, the out- • come of the Government’s policy of - general appeasement, will be discuss- ; ed in the Commons, next week. On Monday, there will be a debate on a motion to approve the Anglo-Itdlian agreement,' and on Thursday the House will take the second reading of the Eire (confirmation of agreement) Bill. ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS BERLIN, April 28. “A good British and German understanding is not only, imperative in the interests of both countries, but also for the world and civilisation,” declared the British Ambassador (Sir Nevile Henderson) addressing the Anglo-German Society at Hamburg. Sir Nevile Henderson added that nothing could be more disastrous than war between Britain and Germany. “Let us not think of it and not talk of it,” he said. “Let us rather think and talk of the inevitability of a good understanding;’,’ SOUTH AFRICAN WARNING CAPE TOWN, April 28. General Smuts, in a speech here, said: “If any hostile Power ever fires a shot at Simonstown (the South African naval base), it will be 10 back. If Simonstown or any other I part -of South Africa is attacked, we j. will defend it with the valour and ten- j acity for which South Africa is famed.' This is not meant to be sall. talk, but just a friendly warning to- all.” ( ; AUSTRALIAN ATTITUDE. : j (Received April 28, i p.m.) C CANBERRA;; April 28. Mr. Lyons, in a statement in the House on foreign affairs, said that although there- had ’been no easing in the tension of the international situ- ( ation, there was still cause for anxiety. ■' ' ' . < Points in Mr. Lyons’ statement j were that Australia supported Mr. ( Chamberlain in his dispute with Mr. £ Eden. Australia still adheres firmly ■ to the policy of support of the League of Nations. Australia had-impressed j on the British Government that it be- ] lieved re-opening talks with Italy were of the utmost importance. The Commonwealth Government adheres to a policy of strict neutrality and nonintervention in the internal disputes of other countries.

Mr. Curtain (Labour) demanded that the foreign policy should be debated before the defence programme was discussed. He accused Mr. Lyons of trying to create war hysteria in Australia, from which the profiteers would reap a harvest. Mr. Lyons issued a statement that the Air Chief, Marshal Sir Edward Elington, had been invited by the Commonwealth Government to visit Australia, and report on the existing organisation and lines of the proposed expansion of the Australian Air Force. Mr. Lyons stated the Government did not propose to introduce compulsory training.

AUSTRALIA’S LOAN SYDNEY, April 28. Legislation now before the Commonwealth Parliament provides £or the raising of a defence loan of £lO,000,000, of which £4,000,000 is being raised immediately. An additional £1,000,000 will be provided towards the cost of organising civil industry for national defence. The coastal defences round Australia will be modernised and mechanised, and greatly strengthened and equipped with wireless. An anti-submarine school is being established at Sydney and large ammunition dumps are being laid down at, suitable .locations. CANADA’S DUTY (Rec. April 29, 1.30 p.m.) OTTAWA, April 28. Mr. Bennett (ex-leadef 'pf the Conservatives) addressing the Sei 4 ,vide Club, declared: “The staggering tax the British people are imposing on themselves is not solely a benefit to Britain, but to Canada too. What are we doing to recognise the debt owing to those who, gave us this country?” He urged a'frank recognition of the obligations to the Empire. Without the Empire, civilisation perishes. Regarding his trib to Australia, he stated that he went in a United States vessel to learn the competition Canada faces. He is convinced that swifter transportation to the Antipodes is urgent.