UNITED FRONT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 260, 16 October 1933, Page 8

UNITED FRONT

BRITAIN, FRANCE, U.S., ITALY GERMANS DISAPPOINTED. SIR JOHN SIMON’S STATEMENT. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright GENEVA, October 14, At the Disarmament Conference Sir John Simon in a statement said that the British Government believed that a disarmament convention could not be agreed upon on a basis that would provide for any immediate rearmament.

“Recent conversations have shown that the British draft convention, which had been adopted as the framework of tho agreement, will require in some respects to be recast.” he said. “It was designed to cover five years, and .some of the Powers wish it extended to eight years and so far no objection has been raised to eight years. It will be devoted to securing two essential conditions. The first, the special measure of disarmamnt actually completed; the second, the achievement of tho principle of equality within the realm of security. The eight year scheme would begin with the transformation of armaments with adequate supervision through a permanent disarmament commission. The exact amount of disarmament to be achieved in the eight years must be. stipulated in the convention.

“Britain would not be satisfied if tho degree of disarmament is not set out in full detail and is really adequate. The list of permitted arms will be drawn up and will be tho same for all countries. The scheme thus at the same time would achieve substantial disarmament equality, but the Powers not restricted by peace treaties shall not begin to increase armaments immediately, but shall express willingness to conform to the time-table.” Sir John Simon added: “Britain considered agreement impossible on a basis of immediate rearmament. The agreement necessary at the outset is that no Government shall manufacture or acquire any weapons of any type that may eventually be abolished. We earnestly desire the attainment of an equality status, which would best be accomplished by a programme like that of the British.” M. Paul-lJoncour, supporting Sir John Simon, insisted upon the necessity for control, and emphasised that the object of the convention was to reduce the level of armament, thus attaining equality. Mr Norman Davis reiterated M. Paul-Boncours’ argument, and said that America would not participate in the supervision unless the treaty contained precise disarmament

provisions. Herr von Rhinebaden demanded that tho heavily armed Powers immediately disarm. Equality should immediately bo realised, but Germany was prepared to negotiate in respect of the quantities of arms to which she was entitled, The Bureau decided that Sir John Simon’s statement should be transmitted to the General Commission for immediate discussion on Monday afternoon. This occasion will provide the opportunity of testing the nature of world opinion as it stands in the lightof the latest developments. The inflexibility of Sir John Simon’s statement dumbfounded the Germans, who were disappointed at the united front of Britain, France, America and Italy.

THE KING INFORMED. LONDON, October 14. The King, who is at present at Sandringham, was informed of Germany’s withdrawal through official channels. GERMANY NOW ISOLATED MASK TORN OFF. ARMAMENTS RACE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright PARIS, October 14. French newspapers are unanimous that Germany has torn off the mask, trampled down the 14 years’ organisation for peace and isolated herself, thus opening the door for the armaments race. “The world more than ever is going to live dangerously,” declares Temps” apropos of the Hitler thunderbolt which astounded France. “Le Liberte” is of the opinion that the crucial question is whether Britain and Italy will support France in checking Germany's warlike sally.

MAY BE ONLY A RUSE. FOUR-POWER PACT CHALLENGED ROME. October 14 Germany’s action is interpreted as a challenge to the Four-Power Pact Some consider it may only be a ruse to obtain further concessions. Signor Mussolini may call a hurried meeting of the signatories to tho Four Power Pact SOVIET’S ACTION. GERMANS ORDERED TO LEAVE LONDON. October 14. The Soviet has ordered al] German

engineers to leave Russia immediately. They will be replaced by Frenchmen. RESULT OF GENEVA NEWS. NEW YORK, October 15. Forty different issues of German bonds suffered up to four-point losses on the Stock Exchange as the result of the Genera