NO HIDDEN SIGNIFICANCE

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1936, Page 7

NO HIDDEN SIGNIFICANCE

BRITISH FLEET MOVEMENTS (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, July 10. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” emphasises that the repetition of the Admiralty’s intention to restore to normal conditions the Fleet as soon as possible has been given greater prominence than it deserved. There is no hidden political significance in the impending movements of the fleet. They are not related to the negotiations now in progress at Montreux. Of far greater and more lasting importance is Mr Eden's pledge of June 18, on behalf of the Government, that, in the light of recent experience. Britain would maintain permanently in the Mediterranean a defensive position stronger than existed before the IlaloAbyssinian dispute began.

The French Government is reported to have informed Britain and Italy that its obligation to render mutual assistance to Britain in the Mediterranean is no longer operative, in view of raising of sanctions.

A message from Geneva says the French withdrawal is based on the understanding, that, when sanctions are abolished, contingent pi-ccautions will also disappear, otherwise it would be tantamount to an anti-Italian coalition.

It is believed that other Powers will follow the example of France, as Mr Eden’s declaration that mutual assistance assurances would be provisionally maintained was not welcomed by Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey, who felt that they should have been .consulted.-