ANGLO-FRENCH UNITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 February 1939, Page 7

ANGLO-FRENCH UNITY

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MR. CHAMBERLAIN’S WARNING [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, February 0. Mr. Chamberlain, at Commons' ques-tion-time, referred to the solidarity oL interests uniting France and Britain, and declared that any threat to the vital interests of France must evoke

British cooperation with France. He was answering Mr. Arthur Henderson, on M. Bonnet’s recent statement that, in case of a war in which the two countries were involved, all the forces of Great Britain would be

at the disposal of France, just as all the forces of France would be at the disposal of Britain, and he said: “This is .in complete accordance with the views of Britain." Mr. Chamberlain then added —and the declaration attracted considerable attention in the House—“lt. is impossible to examine in detail all the hypothetical cases which may arise, but I feel bound to make it plain that the solidarity of interests, by which France and this country are united, is such that any threat to the* vital interests of France, from' whatever quarter it came, must evoke the immediate co-operation of this country.” “The Telegraph’s” diplomatic cor-

respondent says that Mr. Chamberlain’s statement was made deliberately as a warning, in the hope that it would be a deterrent to the rash campaign against France, which is still developing in Italy. It would thus counsel prudence to the Italian and German leaders, in their next public pronouncement on the Mediterranean issues. The words, “Any threat to France’s vital interests,” are only interpretable as meaning a threat to interests which France herself considers as vital. Vernon Bartlett, in the “NewsChronicle,” says that one of the reasons for the statement was the con-

fidence with which the Italian newspapers were suggesting that Britain had been won . to Fascism against France. The declaration was probably strengthened by Dr. Gayda’s statement of February 5. FRENCH GRATIFICATION. (Recd. February 7, 2.30 a.m.) PARIS, February 6.

Official circles attach the greatest importance to Mr. Chamberlain’s statement in the Commons. It is felt that it constitutes an unequivocal reply to Italian insinuations that Britain will not support France. It is regarded as

the most categorical pledge of automatic military assistance that any Bri-

tish Government has ever given to France.

It is believed to be the direct outcome of consultations between M. Daladier, M. Bonnet, and Sir E. Phipps. There have been frequent exchanges of pledges through diplomatic channels, but it was considered wise to make the situation very clear, in the interests of peace. .

RECEPTION IN ROME.

ROME, February 6.

Mr. Chamberlain’s statement has shocked political circles. It is suggested that it is tantamount to the announcement of a military alliance as binding. . . Italy’s and Germany’s official circles do not comment, except to say, “Italy’s natural aspirations threaten the vital interests of no country.” Nevertheless, in a message dated from London, but apparent.lv semi-officially inspired, the “Giornale d’ltalia” says Britain knows that Italv means to pursue her aspirations, until they are justly realised.

ITALIAN INTENTIONS.

LONDON, February 6

The “Daily Telegraph” says that the Fascist Grand Council’s statement, that the Italian troops will not leave Spain until General Franco has won, is a reminder that the end of the civil war will not necessarily end European, tension. On the contrary, it will revive the doubts and tears which have been perplexing European capitals since the war began. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that there are signs that Minorca will be the next objective in the Spanish venture. The majority of

the machines of the Italian Air Force based at Majorca flew over Minorca on Saturday, dropping leaflets calling on the population to surrender. A message from Perpignan states that General Franco has withdrawn the Italian Littorio division from the frontier section of Catalonia to allay French anxiety.

GERMAN COMMENT

(Rec. Feb. 7, 3 p.m.) BERLIN, Feb. 6

The Foreign Office spokesman said t was not felt that a new situation iad been created. It is pointed out that

Mr. Chamberlain issued a similarly, before the Czech crisis. He added that it would be regrettable if the words were interpreted as an encouragement to France in an attitude of intransigeance.

DUTCH NEUTRALITY

(Received February 7, 1 p.m.) THE HAGUE, February 6

Holland will not allow free passage for troops operating against an aggressor nation, under Article Sixteen cf the League Covenant, if the aggressor is a neighbour, declared M. Pa Sign, in a written reply in the First Chamber, He added that the entry of such troops into Netherland territory would inevitably lead to a collision with the aggressor, making Holland p. battlefield. The idea, of Holland adopting permanent neutrality appeartd undesirable and unachieveable. There was no question, at present, of military collaboration with Belgium.

He stressed the importance of good relations with Germany, and noted with satisfaction that Germany was inclined to good relations with Holland. LORD NUFFIELD ON PEACE FREMANTLE, February 6. “The outlook for world peace is very promising,” said Viscount Nuffield, who arrived from South Africa to-day.

He added: “The people of the Dominions need not be pessimistic about Britain’s defences. The Army

and Navy have never been in better fettle. Any impression that Britain shirked war is entirely erroneous. She simply desired to avoid it in the interests of humanity. England to-day is ready for any eventuality.”

Lord Nuffield has come to Australia for a rest after a strenuous year in England. He will visit Sydney and return on March 3.

OVERSEAS PART

LONDON, February 6

The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Lord Chatfield), in an interview, emphasised his desire to make all the defence services strong and inter-reliant, not only in Britain, but throughout the Empire. He added that the Dominions must be strong enough to defend themselves. There was no doubt of' their willingness to co-operate, but the great handicap was finance. REGISTER IN SINGAPORE SINGAPORE, Feb. 6. A defence register for British Europeans, by which in every emergency a person does the job most suited to him, was opened here to-day. British Asiatics and Europeans have been already enrolled in air raid precaution schemes.