AlR-PACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 31 May 1935, Page 5

AIR-PACT

DRAFT PREPARED BY HITLER OFFER TO STABILISE REPEATED (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrignt) LONDON, 30th May. Tlie “Morning Post’’ says that Herr Hitler had a draft air pact prepared and a copy was received in London. The memorandum repeats Hitler’s offers to stabilise the air force at any level acceptable to other Western powers. In the German view the figure depends on France, as possessing the largest air fleet. BRITISHFOREIGN SECRETARY STATEMENT IN COMMONS ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE (British Official Wireless) (Received 31st May, 10.5 a.m.) RUGBtf, 30th May. Chief interest in the foreign affairs debate which will take place in the House of Commons to-morrow is centred in the speech which will be deliver-c ed by Sir John Simon, Foreign Secretary, who it is anticipated will give information regarding the position of the proposed air pact for Western Europe between the Locarno powers. The project was first put forward in the AngloFrench declaration of London of 3rd February, with the object of reinforcing peace, and it was stated that Italy, Germany and Belgium weie to be invited to consider with them whether such a. convention might not be promptly negotiated. The project was accordingly one of the subjects discussed during the visit of Sir John Simon and Mr Anthony Eden to Beilin and later at the Stresa conference. It was agreed to continue study of the question with a view to drafting an air pact with the live powers mentioned in the London communique and of any bilateral agreements which might accompany it. The British Government since have made the promotion of the air pact one of the objects of their most earnest endeavour. A draft pact has been prepared by the British Government for discussion and yesterday Germany’s proposals for the pact were handed to Sir John Simon by the 'German Ambassador. It is understood that the German Government is in,communication with other powers concerned and it is presumed that this draft has been communicated to them.