HIGH TENSION

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1935, Page 6

HIGH TENSION

BRITISH FEELING

AGAINST HO ARE-L AV AL AGREEMENT.

(United Press Association— By .Kleetrifelegraph—Copyfiglit). ‘

(Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 12

Encouraged by what the “Guardian” describes as an undoubtedly diplomatic triumph over Sir S. Home. M. Laval is reported to be concentrating not only on the shelving of the oil emliargo, but on the lifting of other sanctions, on the ground that they are incompatible with the fi' ee conduct ot peace negotiations. The Hoar e-Laval proposals, however, are causing a storm of indignation throughout the world. The “Times gives prominence to despatches from correspondents at Paris, Geneva, Washington and elsewhere emphasising the discontent. It also publishes a letter from Sir Abe Bailey, declaring, that ‘ tlie smaller nations,- among which are the Dominions, are again uneasy. Some are in despair that other aggressors will take heart and sharpen their' swords. The only ray of hope is that th e old British spirit has arisen and that the people of England will take The matter in hand. The “Guardian’s” political correspondent says such dejection has seldom been seen i'n the Commons as at the last one, when they realised the proposals .represent the considered act of Cabinet.

The ‘‘Morning Post” says the Government was surprised at the volume of protests, even among their own supporters, whom the “Mail’s” diplomatic correspondent describes as being .in the mood for revolt.

. The proposals shocked Mr Anthony Eden,, hut he decided that he must support Sir Samuel, especially in view of the. dangerously developing Mediterranean situation.

It is suggested in high quarters that Cabinet was also .influenced by the situation in Egypt, where a united front is demanding the 1930 treaty, giving . virtual' independence, and necessitating the withdrawal of British, troops from Cairo' and the Canal

zones. The “Times’ ” Paris correspondent says not the least significant is that ' French critics argue that Britain, after , gaining the world’s admiration' by .firm, disinterested support of the League, now, by one stroke, has tumbled into the dust the work she built up, and prestige investing it. A Tokio message says Japanese newspapers denounce Britain’s hypocrisy. The “Sun-Herald” says many qiiar ters. believe M. Laval's conquest of Sir Samuel is due to Britain’s fears " »■*&>..■ .. ‘■ w , of a conflict in the Mediterranean. The “Daily Mail’s” political correspondent -declares: “I can state 'definitely the Government has at last realised the danger rapidly develop-, ing in the Mediterranean has-infhi- ; enced Government advisers, t hear a, majority of Ministers have a genuine, anxiety about the strength of Britain’* defensive forces.”

PEACE PLAN

(Received this .day at 2.5 p.m.) GENEVA, December 12; It is understood that the peace-plan (is being submitted to the Council -next week, so the Committee of Five to-day considered only the report's on the working of sanctions.