KELLOGG PACT

Grey River Argus, 30 May 1938, Page 7

KELLOGG PACT

U.S.A. REMINDER To European Countries [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received May 29, 6.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 28. Being alarmed at the Internationa situation, Mr C. Hull (Secretary o, State), has issued a statement, re minding the Governments of Euront of their obligations to keep peace i under the Kellogg-Briand anti-wai Pact. ’ I He says: “With reference to the critical situation regarding the countries of Central Europe, I desire tc say that the Government of the United States has been following recent developments with close and anxious attention. Nearly ten years ago, the United States signed at Paris a Treaty providing for the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy. There are now sixty-three countries a I party to that Treaty, in which they agreed that the settlement and' solution of all disputes would never be sought except by pacific means. That pledge is not less binding now than when it was entered into. It is binding upon all parties. We cannot shut our eyes to the fact that any outbreak of hostilities anywhere in the world injects into the world’s affairs a factor of general disturbance, the ultimate consequence of which no man can foresee: and is liable to inflict upon all nations incalculable permanent injuries. The people of this country have, in common with all nations, a desire for stable, permanent conditions of peace, justice and progress; and a most earnest desire for peace being maintained, no matter where or under what circumstances, there are controversies between nations.” The statement is regarded as putting America’s moral weight behind efforts on the part of European democracies, to prevent war in view of a critical week-end in Czecho-Slovakia. Anglo-French Air Staffs ACTING IN COLLABORATION. (Received. May 29, 755 p.m.) LONDON, May 28. The Chief of the French Air General Staff General Vuillemin, accompanied by five senior officers, will arrive in London to-morrow on a six days tour of the British air stations and factories, which is being made in conjunction with French Air Staffs discussions with the British Air Staff.

The “Daily Herald” says it sees m this visit of General Vuillemin the forerunner of a co-ordination of the British and French air power. It says: “British military aircraft will shortly visit France to accustom themselves to the French air stations and to enable French pilots and gunners to recognise Britain’s new types of planes. A whole chain of French air bases is planned for British use in the defence of aerodromes and bombing centres.

PEACE OR WAR?

AN EMPIRE QUESTION.

WHAT ARE GERMANY’S INTENTIONS?

(Received May 29, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 28. The diplomatic correspondent of the Associated Press states: A question which has been uppermost in th minds of the Dominions’ representatives here during their recent conversations with Mr N. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax has been that of peace or war. The Australian delegation, led by Sir Earle Page, is especially concerned to ascertain the bearing of the European situation on the prospects o the Commonwealth Government negotiating with foreign Governments trade treaties as an increased outlet for Australia's expanding production of foodstuffs. It is gathered that the South African delegates have reiterated their Imperial Conference attitude of pressing Britain, without delay, to attempt a settlement of all of her outstanding grievances with Germany, without waiting for two years more when the armaments acquisitions will be at a maximum, and when the Powers will be unwilling to settle differences except by war. It is also gathered (says the correspondent) that Lord Halifav British Foreign Secretary) has outlined Britain’s representations to the Go - ernments at Prague, at Paris, to the Government at Berlin: especially the British attitude to Central Europe. The Foreign Secretary s outline constituted not a syllable more or less than Mr Chamberlains pronouncement in the House of Commons on March 24 last. But, ■ real significance of the outline was the fact that this pronouncement was reaffirmed and underlined at a critical week-end. Nobody knows, for certain, Germany’s real intentions concerning Czechoslovakia. It is hinted that this problem has un doubtedly caused a conflict in He Hitler’s hierarchy, but it is thought that if Germany has changed her tactics,’she has not changed her objective. A belief is widely held that, if. immediate annexation of Czechoslovakia fails, the aim of Germany will be the slower, but sure, process of the economic and financial absorption of the country. The fact that Britain s policy, as between intervention and isolation, remains indeterminate is extremely irritating to Germany who, evidently, continues to regard Britain as a real obstacle to her attaintment of European domination.