Aerial Locarno

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 11

Aerial Locarno

GERMANY ASKED TO JOIN United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 3. Tho Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent points out that the ‘aerial Locarno” proposal provides for Britain a guarantee against aggression not inherent in the original Treaty. It is emphasised that the projected pact is not a Franco-British fait accompli, but a proposal to bo submitted to Germany for consideration, which sho js asked to join on terms of absolute equality'. This should preclude any question of affront.

Development will now proceedthrough diplomatic channels. The text of the Anglo-French agreement was handed to Mussolini and Hitler to-night. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent states that there is every reason to believo that Signor Mussolini will accopt tho proposals for an aerial' Locarno as the basis of conversations with tho British, French, German, and Belgian Governments. Tho Germans are now speculating, whether the question of the roturn of their colonics may be raised in connection with Herr Hitler’s demand for equality of rights. Tlio Ncws-Ghroniele, in a leader, says that the Anglo-French suggestions are ingenious and well-considered and should form a new starting point towards European peace. Germany certainly should see in them no vestige of hostility or encirclement, but an honourable means of facilitating a return to tho comity of nations. Sir John Simon’s view

Sir John Simon, broadcasting, spcci ally referred to the aerial security; suggestion which he emphasised the British and French Ministers regarded as likely to go far to prevent aggression and ensure immunity from sudden attack. He pointed out that while under the Locarno Pact Britain undertook serious responsibility in certain events in order to assist France and Germany and Belgium, but received no corresponding assistance. The present plan for the first time provided for Britain an advantageous undertaking which did not impose serious additional responsibility, as, “assuming .the parties wero France, Germany, Belgium, and ourselves, we would only be called on to participate in cases in which wc were already bound by the Locarno Pact, while our promise would be limited to aerially assisting a country which had been aerially attacked, thus giving precision to a promise hitherto expressed in general terms.” Sir John added that Germany was being treated in this matter as she ought to bo treated, on 1 a level with .everybody else. “Wc hope that other countries will think the plan offers great possibilities for increasing security and promoting world peace.’.’

Referring to Italy, he said h. 9 considered that Britain and Italy were not sheltered by the Locarno roof, but rather buttresses of it, exposed to the weather. He added that owing to the distance separating Britain and Italy more than one regional agreement might be better, although we had not carried analysis sufficiently far in that respect. “When the matter is discussed equally, we may find that a limited agreement comprising Germany, Belgium, France, and Britain may be practicable with Italy, France, Germany, and another combination enabling in time the removal of a haunting fear from tho hearts of men and women.”

In terms of numbers of aircraft the strength of the Powers concerned in the proposed convention is approximately: Britain 1450, France 3000 (of which only 3650 are first-line machines), Italy 1507, Belgium 310, Germany 1100. The Daily Telegraph’s aviation correspondent says that there is no reason to believe that the German total given above is not approximately accurate. It is an official French estimate revealing a rapid increase in the past few months, which is known to be continuing. The German total includes a considerable number of highly-efficient training aircraft, which, although potential fighters, are not comparable with the high-powered modern fighters. The French Air Service is at present less efficient than the British, but reequipment is proceeding with vigour.