Franco-German Pact Gives Satisfaction To Mr Churchill

Northern Advocate, 25 November 1938, Page 7

Franco-German Pact Gives Satisfaction To Mr Churchill

(Received 1,30 p.m.) PARIS, November 24. JOINT STATEMENT WAS ISSUED AFTER THE CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN MR CHAMBERLAIN AND VISCOUNT HALIFAX AND MM. DALADIER AND BONNET THAT THE “VISIT GAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS OF COMMON INTEREST, INCLUDING NATIONAL DEFENCE AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS.

“The discussions made plain the complete identity of views in the general policy of Britain and France, who are inspired by the same care for the maintenance and consolidation of peace.”

Complete Agreement on General Policy. Mr Chamberlain later said: “There is the most complete agreement on general policy. We are determined to do all in our power to promote peace. “It is particularly valuable that our Governments should have the opportunity of meeting since the situation is always changing. The necessary measures for national defence is one of the steps we take to preserve the peace of Europe. “It gives particular satisfaction that a Franco-German agreement was concluded, Which has the same end as the agreement I signed with Herr Hitler.” The Ministers met at 10 a.m. for five hours, interspersed with lunch with M. Lebrun, the French President. They had dinner at the British Embassy. It was learned after the morning talk that the ministers were of opinion that it would be unwise at present to grant belligerent rights to General Franco. They also discussed military operation, the Far East and questions of the German-French, declaration, with which'Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax expressed satisfaction. ■ It is understood the declaration includes a clause providing for mutual respect of treaties, enabling France to maintain Soviet and Polish alliances.