France’s Undertaking To Carry Out Her Obligations

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1935, Page 5

France’s Undertaking To Carry Out Her Obligations

M. LAVAL’S REASSURING REPLY

MISUNDERSTANDING WITH BRITAIN DISSIPATED WHOLE POSITION BECOMES EASIER

[Untied Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.! ' ‘ (Received 10 a.m.) . LONDON, October 19. I a CONFERENCE between the French Prime Minister, M. Laval, and the British Ambassador, Sir George Clerk, resulted in France’s reply to the question whether she would assist the British fleet in the Mediterranean in case of attack, being transmitted to London this evening. This was two days before it was anticipated, as it Was thought that M. Laval would insist upon his Cabinet’s approval. A communique issued by the British Embassy says M, Laval gave Sir George a very full answer to the various points in the recent conversations. This cannot be discussed until Sir Samuel .Hoare, , the . British Foreign Secretary, has studied' the. French Note. However, it is understood that M. Laval’s expressed opinion was a plain affirmative. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says authoritative circles declare that M. Laval’s reply dissipates all misunderstandings between Britian and France, M. Laval having given an unequivocal undertaking to carry out France’s obligations. This correspondent also says it is understood that, on. instructions, from London, Sir George told M. Laval that Britain would withdraw two of her battleships from the Mediterranean if France would send two of hers there. 1 Further it is reported that, on M. Laval’s initiative. Signor Mussolini has been asked to state his minimum proposals for a settlement of the dispute with Abyssinia. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says M. Laval’s reply pledges France’s co-operation in all collective measures under the Covenant. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says various factors contributed to M. Laval’s unexpected early reply, notably the serious alarm among his own colleagues at the continued, delay, also the growing British impatience at his apparent hesitation. The semi-official Paris newspaper, “Le Temps,” says it anticipates the immediate withdrawal of Italian reinforcements from Libya, consequent on the reduction of Britain’s naval strength in the Mediterranean, now that French support there is assured, M. Laval has been elected by two Senatorial constituencies, resultin in his retaining the Premiership until the general election in the spring of. 1936. His election is regarded as a triumph for his home and foreign policy, and will strengthen the Government.