NAVAL NEGOTIATIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11451, 27 February 1931, Page 7

NAVAL NEGOTIATIONS

MOST FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE (British Official Wireless) RUGBY. Feb. 25. A communique issued from the British Embassy in Paris last night stated that communications between MM. Briand and Dumont, and Messrs. Henderson and Alexander, have reached a stage which permitted Messrs. Henderson and Alexander to leave for. Rome in order to enter uponAsirailar discussions with the'ltalian Government.

While the conversations had taken place in a most friendly atmosphere, it was impossible to measure what progress had been made until the Italian Government was brought into consultation.

Paris despatches to London papers state- that there can he no question of the French, Government sign ing the London Naval Treaty without waiting for a settlement with Italy, as the French Government would not be prepared to do this without a separate safeguarding clause which could enable it to revise its programme if Italy built beyond a certain. limit, and the' British Government is not prepared to agree to such a clause. The London Treaty, it is declared, must be a three-power or five-power treaty, not. a four-power treaty. Questioned in the House of Commons regarding the negotiations, the Foreign Under-Secretary, Dr. Hugh Dalton, said that so long as the conwere proceeding the House would not expect the Government to make a statement. . . It is understood that.the position is that France and Britain are in agreement concerning the proposed figures for the French and Italian navies,.. Rome’s endorsement would permit,- Franco and Italy to adhere to the London Treaty, but non acceptance would lender the Paris negotiations useless. The exact nature of the FrancoBritish settlement is being kept a secret opt of courtesy to the Italian Government. , {'