Britain Asks Soviet For Guarantee

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 109, 11 May 1939, Page 5

Britain Asks Soviet For Guarantee

Help in Carrying Out Obligations

NO RECIPROCAL PROMISE United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. MOSCOW, May 9. A communique says that Britain’s reply to the latest Soviet observations asks the Soviet to give immediate assistance if England and France are involved in military operations in execution of their obligations towards Poland or Rumania. The communique adds that the British counter-proposals, to which France has not objected, do not include provision for reciprocal English and French help if the Soviet is similarly involved in the execution of obligations undertaken regarding any Eastern European State. A communique denies London reports that Britain proposed that the Soviet should guarantee neighbouring States individually. A British Official Wireless message from Rugby states that reports of yesterday’s friendly conversations between Sir William Seeds, British Ambassador to Moscow, and M. Molotov, Soviet Fremicr and Foroign Minister, have reinforced tho opinion held in official circles in London as a result of earlier assurances that M. Litvinov's resignation as Soviet Foreign Minister does not portend any change in the general direction or in the main objectives of the Soviet's foreign policy. Tho considered views of the Soviet on the British attitude as expressed by Sir William Seeds must now be awaited. Meanwhile, Angora reports indicate that the early announcement of the Anglo-Turkish agreement may be expected. Britain, throughout her consultations with these Powers, has maintained the closest contact with France.