COLLECTIVE SECURITY FOR EUROPE

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1936, Page 5

COLLECTIVE SECURITY FOR EUROPE

TEN-POWER TALKS IN PARIS [United Press Assoclation.-By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright .] (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, February 4. Conversations in Paris between the representatives of ten Powers continue to monopolise attention. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says it is admitted that the immediate objects are two decisive steps toward the ultimate goal of a system of collective security, embracing the whole of Europe. These steps are:— (1) Bulgaria’s adherence to the Balkan Entente. (2) Austria’s adherence to the Little Entente.

It Is not pretended that signed commitments are likely to emerge from the present discussions, but it is claimed that they already have produced oral assurances, which justify the most confident hopes of ultimate documentary obligations. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent says the cry is raised again that the Paris talks are directed exclusively against Germany and toward her “encirclement.”

The “Deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung” asks: “Why all the talk about the German menace, as we have no intention of attacking anyone?” There are widespread rumours also that a plebiscite may be held, in which Germany will be asked: (1) Whether she favours the maintenance of the demilitarised zone in the Rhineland? (2) Whether she will support a scheme for colonies?

Danubian Pact Suggestion.

Italy has reacted swiftly to the reported negotiations in Paris for a Danubian Pact to consolidate peace in Central Europe and to guarantee Austria’s independence. The “News Chronicle’s” Rome correspondent says the official spokesman declared that, as far as Italy is concerned, the plan for a Danubian Pact, originally sponsored by her at Stresa, was dead for two reasons. The first reason was that the Pact envisaged a common Franco-British-Italian front, which no longer existed, because Italian co-operation with sanctionist countries was “strictly impossible.” The second reason was that the Danubian countries themselves were split on the question of sanctions. Common action was therefore impossible Italo-Abyssinian Dispute. IVie Paris cortresponden® of “'The Times” says that although the present discussions are mainly concerned with other questions, including removal of misunderstandings between France and the Little Entente, the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia has not been moved entirely off the stage. The French Foreign Minister, M. Flandin, no doubt, would like to succeed where others have failed, but his latest proposal is not likely to make much headway. It is for a Mediterranean pact of non-aggression, in which Italy could share. His idea is that a'way out of the Abyssinian deadlock might follow. British observers, however, emphasise that there is little hope of British adhesion to such a project. They point out that to conclude a pact of nonaggression with a declared aggressor in full pursuit of his adventure, would require some swallowing by the British public and the Government.