The Locarno Objective

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 210, 23 August 1926, Page 5

The Locarno Objective

TASK FOR BRITISH DIPLOMACY ENGLAND HOLDS TRUMP CARD. London, Aug. 21. British diplomacy is confronted by obstacles umy surmountable by trams and fearless realisation of its Locarno aims. The Tangier resettlement has nothing to do with the Geneva programme, nor is there reason lor the British Government to allow itself to be drawn into fresh controversies about Spanish, i’olish or any other claims for seats. The commission meeting on August 30 will be competent to discuss the number and character, but not the allocation of seats, winch is a matter for the Assembly. In this connection the firitsh iGovernment posseses the trump card, it is Britain who, without receiving anything in return, has undertaken, under the Locarno pact, to guarantee the security of the others. The latter were warned then that this was Britain’s last and only offer of tho kind. The hour may have arrived, or soon may arrive, when a reminder of the fact may not be inopportune. If so, it should not remain without effect upon the obstructions.—(A. and N.Z.) SPAIN’S TANGIER CLAIM. MENACE TO GENEVAN HARMONY.

A most important official move has been made, according to the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent, by General de Rivera’s request, tiirough diplomatic channels, that the British, French and Italian Governments should agree either to the incorporation of the Tangier enclave within Spain’s Morocco protectorate or to the granting by the Lc/.gue to Spain ot a mandate thereover.

The correspondent emphasises the strategic position so far as Britain is concerned. The control of Tangier by any single Power might constitute a menace to Gibraltar and the freedom of the straits, which are vital to the British navy. France is perturbed for different reasons. Her relations with bpam are not so harmonious as wouiu appear on the surlace, in spite or tne common effort against Abd-el-Krim. Aloreover, uniter the present Tangier regime France exercises a marked predominance over the other Powers. Herein lies Spain s chiel grievance. Italy's position is a puzzle m view ol Signor Mussolini's absence from Rome, but it is certain he lias not withdrawn his recent demands for participation in the Tangier administration. The question threatens to upset the Geneva apple cart in September, GERMAN EXPECTATIONS, (Received 23, 10.25 a.m.) Berlin, Aug. 22. In a speech at Breslau, Dr. Marx (Chancellor) declared that Germany's expectations from the treaty of iiocarno had not yet been fulfilled io the extent desired. The Germans were painfully disappointed since tfie evacuation of the Cologne zone at the number of troops iu the second and third zones. Lately they had been increased by thousands of men. Dr. Marx said he must be certain when he goe s to Geneva' that Germany’s entrance into the League will proceed without friction to a successful conclusion. He explained that Germany was ready to eo-operate iu the work of the examination committee and in the interests of the League as a whole.

“We shall strive,” he said, “to maintain tho League Council's freedom of action. We are not [losing as an opponent of any candidate. We only ask that in the final settlement the interests of all the members of the League be taken into account.” —(A. and N.Z.)