FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 2 May 1935, Page 7

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS EVENTS IN EUROPE GOVERNMENT STATEMENT (British Official Wireless) (Received 2nd Mav, 12.5 p.m.) RUGBY, Ist May. An important debate on foreign affairs to he held in the House of Commons to-morrow will open with a statement from the. Government, which it is expected the Prime Minister (Mr Ramsay MacDonald) will make upon recent "events in Europe. The main factors upon which members and the public require information are the conference at Stresa which followed the visits to European capitals by British Ministers, the subsequent League session at Geneva, the increase in German air power, Germany’s construction of submarines and the British Government’s estimate of these events and its attitude towards them. The issues may broadly he divided into two categories—(l) The methods to he pursued in order to ensure continuance of pence in Europe. (2) Fulfilment of all requisite measures to maintain Britain’s home defences at an adequate level. It has frequently been recalled during the last few weeks, and mainly in relation to the reported rapid increases in Germany’s air strength, that Mr Baldwin gave a pledge on behalf of the Government to maintain the British Air Foi’ce at a strength equal to that of any country within striking distance, and many members are anxious to be reassured that this promise will in all circumstances be fulfilled.

On this point “The Times” remarks: “We should tell Germany plainly she will not outbuild us in the air. This is hot provocation, hut a simple reminder of our accepted policy.” At the same time ‘‘The Times” emphasises its view that “prevention of violence must still, have as its main object the attainment of that agreed peace freely negotiated on equal terms which Europe has never vet had since the war.”.

BIG EXPANSION ROYAL AIR FORCE IMPORTANT DECLARATION EXPECTED REPLY TO GERMANY (Received 2nd May, 10.15 a.in.) LONDON, Ist Maj. The “Daily Telegraph’s” lobbyist says Cabinet for two hours discussed the European situation, and the disturbing revelations of German rearmament. As a result, Mr Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister, will make an important declaration in the House of Commons tomorrow. It is understood he will announce that the Government intends to meet the situation created by the formation of a German air fleet already bigger than ours, by *h big expansion of the Royal Air Force. It will n6T be merely an acceleration of the five years’ programme . recently approved, but prompt action to be taken to see we shall not remain in an inferior , position. The “Daily Mail” says Cabinet decided to increase the strength of the Air Force without delay.

EMPIRE STATESMEN INTERNATIONAL SITUATION EXPLAINED BY MR MACDONALD LONDON, 30th April. The Hon. R. G. Menzies, Australian Attorney- General and Minister of Industries, who has been devoting much time to foreign affaire, including the holding of recent meetings with Sir John Simon, accompanied Mr Lyons, the Australian Prime Minister, when Mr Ramsay MacDonald, the British Prime Minister, gave an exposition over the teacups of the international situation for the Dominion Premiers. Actually they learned little that was new as was seen in the Government’s dispatches arising out of the Berlin, Moscow, Stresa, and Geneva meetings, nor was the Dominions’ attitude regarding European engagements dwelt upon, but all appreciated the opportunity of obtaining personal contact with the other Empire statesmen at a time when critical decisions are brewing.

RECEPTION TO MRS LYONS

LONDON, 30th April

The Australian Book' Company received Mrs Lyons, wife of the Australian Prime Minister, at an enjoyable cocktail party. Those present included Sir Philip Game (a former Governor of New South Wales) and his son, Lady Moir, Father Martindale and Commissioner Lamb.

BRITAIN’S COMMITMENTS CONTINENTAL AFFAIRS POSITION OF DOMINIONS LONDON, Ist May. “The Times” expresses the hope that Thursday’s debate on foreign affaire in the House of Commons will produce a statement of the extent of British commitments. It says the Dominions’ Prime Ministers must be specially anxious to know to what extent Great Britain is engaged or likely to become engaged in complications on the Continent. Tire Dominions are not hound to the terms of the Locarno Treaty, but in a general way may be regarded as supporting its peace-pressing purpose. If, however, Britain were to incur obligations further afield on the Continent it would certainly be at the risk of causing a split in the Imperial sentiment.