DOMINIONS AND EUROPE

Grey River Argus, 9 May 1935, Page 6

DOMINIONS AND EUROPE

BRITAIN’S POLICY Australia and South Africa DEMUR AT STRESA DECISIONS. (Aus. and N.Z Cable Assn.) LONDON, May 7. Unanimity of the Dominions’ opinion that there should be no anti-Ger-man bloc, 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.

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 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 the door should be kept open for her. ATI 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. 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. RUGBY, May 7. In the Commons, to-day, asked whether in the event of any allocation 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 tho 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 their obligations under the Treaty of Locarno, and intend should the need arifce, 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 not, 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.

A New Agreement

FOR BRITAIN TO DECIDE ON EMPIRE FOREIGN POLICY. LONDON, May 8. The “Daily Mail” and “NewsChronicle” forecast that an informal agreement is likely to be reached on May 9, between the British Government and the Dominion Prime Ministers on a new Empire foreign affairs plan, one enabling Britain to take swift decisions on behalf of the Em pire without waiting the consent of the individual Dominions. The “News-Chronicle” says: One condition is that these decisions must not involve a departure from the League Covenant. It adds: “The Dominions, however, will retain the right either of ratifying or of refusing to ratify any decisions which seem to involve them in military commitments.” The “Daily Mail” says: “Owing to sudden changes in the European scene, it is now thought that the British Cabinet should have a free hand to act without committing the Dominions, who will only be called on to give their views in cases of emergency.” The “News-Chronicle” says: The Dominions broadly sympathise with the new plan.