NAVAL SECURITY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 176, 25 June 1935, Page 7

NAVAL SECURITY

BRITAIN SEEKS ASSURANCE. IMMUNITY FJtOM ATTACK. GERMAN WITHHOLDS CONSENT. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received June 25, 9.50 a.m. LONDON, June 24. In order to establish the Empire's marine security, the British authorities are seeking undertakings from Germany in connection with the naval agreement, including the following assurances :—• Firstly, that German submarines will not attack British merchantmen. Secondly, that British vessels in distant seas will be immune from attack from the German navy. These proposals were submitted to Herr Von Ribbentrop, who informed tho British authorities that he could not give undertakings pending consultation with his Government. The Germans, however, intimated their willingness to abide bv any international naval agreements. SUCCESSFUL VISIT. -MR EDEN IN PARIS'. WORKING FOR PEACE. LONDON, June 24. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent, telegraphing from Rome, says that Mr R. A. Eden’s visit to Paris was far more successful than was anticipated. Paris recognises that Britain’s action in the Anglo-Ger-man naval agreement was dictated largely by fear. Strict adherence to the proprieties might have resulted in another non-possumus from France with the results as unfortunate as those following M. Barthou’s Note on April 17, 1934.

Nevertheless, the agreement gives Germany an important naval superiority over France in the North Sea, and France is unhappy regarding the rate at which German fleet expansion is being carried out. The correspondent, referring to the Rome visit, says that, as regards Abyssinia, the British Government is prepared to collaborate with Italy in securing a general settlement. There is reason to believe that the Emperor of Ethiopia is prepared to go a long way in granting Italy development and trading facilities and allocating areas for Italian colonisation.

The Daily Mail says it is expected that Mr Eden will also invite Signor Mussolini to send naval experts to London. In a statement issued after the Paris conversations, a British Official Wireless message states, M. Laval said that he had exchanged all useful explanations with Mr Eden regarding the naval agreement between Britain and Germany. “Wo furthermore discussed European problems raised by the present international situation, and we examined, in referring ourselves to the London communique of February 3, a form to give to the collaboration of our two Governments. It" appeared necessary to us to find practical measures to solve all the questions discussed at- London which interest not only our two countries but other European Powers. Mr Eden has informed his Government of our conversations. Upon his return from Home I will have another meeting with him. Mr Eden and T are in agreement in recognising that France and England must remain faithful to their common duties and work in the closest collaboration for European peace by the organisation of collective security.”

CONVERSATIONS IN ROME. ANGLO-FRENCH COMMUNIQUE. POSITION STILL STANDS. (British Official Wireless.) Received June 25, 11.22 a.m. RUGBY, June 24. In Rome to-day Mr R. A. Eden had long conversations with Signor Mussolini. Mr Eden was accompanied by Sir Eric Drummond. A communique stated that they discussed the Anglo-German naval pact and projects for aerial accord, and other questions which fornied part of the Anglo-French declaration or February 3. The conversations will be continued to-morrow and Mr Eden expects to leave Rome for Paris either on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. He will see M. Laval again before returning to London. In the House of Commons, the Foreign Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare) said the Anglo-French declaration of February 3 still represented the policy of the British Government.