Wide Range Of Topics For French Conversations

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1937, Page 7

Wide Range Of Topics For French Conversations

[British Official Wireless.] (Received 1.30 p.m.)

RUGBY, November 28. a VVIDE RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL QUESTIONS WILL BE SUEVEYED IN THE TALKS BETWEEN M. CHAUTEMPS, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER,' AND M. DELBOS, FOREIGN MINISTER. AND MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH MINISTRY, WHICH BEGIN IN LONDON TO-MORROW.

No change, however, in the fundamentals of British or French foreign policy is expected.

It is noted with satisfaction that Berlin fully recognises the desirability of conversations and it may be emphasised that where the talks concern European questions their purpose will be to examine the possibility of bringing closer the Berlin-Rome axis and the special relationships existing between Britain and France—but not at the expense of any other party.

Lord Halifax to Report.

The French Ministers will hear from Viscount Halifax his own account of his visit to Germany. While the question of colonies is expected to be discussed. it should be borne in mind that , this complex question affects countries not represented at the talks, for example, Belgium and the Dominions, Apart altogether from matters in which Germany is especially interested, there will be other important questions upon which an exchange of views, will, it is believed, prove valuable. One relates to Spain. Far Eastern Situation. Of more serious and immediate importance. however, is lire Far Eastern situation arjd the threatened' interference with Chinese Customs service at Shanghai.

There will probably, therefore, be a disposition at the meeting to recognise that the threat of war in Europe is not immediate, 1 and try to use that factor to reduce the risk of war elsewhere, and make progress towards general appeasement.

A cable message states that M. Chautemps and M. Delbos left Paris for London accompanied by M. Alexis Leger, former Minister to China, and director of the Foreign Office Asiatic Department. It is understood that Britain will not announce fundamental changes in foreign policy, nor ask France to change hers. Shanghai and the Far East, which are the main points in international tension, will be fully discussed.