LOCARNO POWERS’ PROPOSALS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 March 1936, Page 7

LOCARNO POWERS’ PROPOSALS

INTERNATIONAL FORCE IN STIPULATED ZONE

COMMISSION TO SUPERVISE OBLIGATIONS

COLLECTIVE SECURITY ON EFFECTIVE BASIS

(United Press Association—by Eloctric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 2 Ist March, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, 20th- March. The White Paper states that the Locarno Powers’ proposals invite Germany to suspend the despatch of troops and war material to the demilitarised zone, and not to proceed with fortifications and construction of landing grounds. France and Belgium undertake to suspend, during the period of negotiation, the despatch of troops to the adjoining zones. It is proposed to create an international force, including English and Italian detachments, to occupy a zone extending twelve miles east of the French and Belgian frontiers, and constitute an international commission to supervise the carrying out of the obligations of the Powers sponsoring the force, and also French and German obligations in respect to the frontier.

If Germany accepts these conditions the Powers will agree to participate in negotiations based, firstly, on the examination of the proposals of 2nd inst. and Herr Hitler’s memorandum of 7th inst.; secondly, the revision of the Rhineland status; and thirdly, mutual assistance pacts open to all the Locarno signatories intended to reinforce their security.

The Powers agreed to press the provisions to prohibit or limit fortifications in the specified zone, and the Powers willing to . support the League Council will call an international conference to examine agreements, organise collective security on a precise and effective basis, assure limitation of armaments, extend economic relations, organisation of commerce, and discuss the proposals on Hitler’s memorandum and subsequent suggestions in regard to Austria and Czechoslovakia. The White Paper then details the resolutions being submitted to the Council condemning Germany’s breach of treaties, inviting Germany to submit objections to the Franco-Soviet Pact to The Hague Court, comply with the ruling of the Court, and noting Locarno, Powers’ declaration in respect to the adherence of the Locarno obligations.

U " LONDON PROPOSALS

Diplomatic circles are puzzled in that connection, and suggest that M. Flandin was merely referring to the negotiations of the Committee of Thirteen initiated earlier, in the mon^i.

BRITAIN’S MAIN OBJECT

TO REBUILD EUROPEAN STABILITY

(Received 21st March, 9.35 a.hi.) LONDON, 20th March. In the House of Commons, Mr Eden in the afternoon announced the British, French, Belgian and Italian agreement. Britain’s main objective was to restore confidence in international law and create conditions on which to re-build European stability. “To this,” added Mr Eden, “we are making a contribution by joining in the reaffirmation of the Locarno obligations and arranging contact between the guarantor Powers and the General Stalls as well as those of France and Belgium.” Mr Eden then described the Locarno Powers’ proposals detailed in the White Paper, pointing out that Britain was willing to supply detachments for an international force and arrange contacts with the French and Belgian general staffs solely in order to meet the possibility of unprovoked aggression. He added that lie was sure that the proposed arrangements were fair and reasonable and would create a sense of security during the period of negotiation. It was most reasonable to ask Germany to make a contribution to the situation which her own action had created, particularly in view of the substantial contributions resulting from the restraint and moderation of France and Belgium. In the event of the failure of the proposed negotiations the British and Italian Governments will address letters to France and Belgium defining their position. Germany stressed her desire for a relaxation of the tension which was leading to disaster. It was up to them to show what they were willing to do towards this end. The British aim has been to meet the peril of an immediate, critical international situation and create the opportunity for a settlement in western Europe on a firm foundation.

APPROVED BY BELGIUM (Received 21st March, 9.35 a.m.) BRUSSELS, 20th March. Cabinet unanimously approved the London proposals. DELEGATES VISIT THE KING (Received 21st March, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, 20th March. The King gave half an hour audience to Mr Anthony Eden, and immediately afterwards to Herr von Ribbentrop; later to M. Paul Boncour, and later again to Mr Stanley Bruce as president of the Council.

WILL ASSURE PEACE

IF GERMANY ACCEPTS

OPINION OF M. VAN ZEELAND (Received 20tl\ March, 10.25 a.m. BRUSSELS, 20th aMrch. Except for Communists and Flemish extremists', who demanded a debate, the Chamber warmly applauded M. Van Zeeland; Prime Minister, when he explained events in London. “I think the agreement of the Locarno Powers assures peace if Germany accepts the proposals. She would be divided against herself if she refused. A breach of international law has been solemnly noted. Belgium made serious concessions. Germany's action for the first time in history resulted in defining the diplomatic position of a violator of the law. I believe Germany must accept. We shall then create conditions establishing a. long peace.”

THE HAGUE COURT

NOT >A SUITABLE BODY TO JUDGE CASE OFFICIAL VIEw'lN GERMANY , LONDON, 20th March. “The Times” Berlin correspondent says the official view is that The Hague Court is not a suitable body to judge a case in which political, military, and psychological considerations are at least as important as legal. Much will depend on the way the question is put. If it were thus framed, “Could the terms of the Franco-Soviet Pact in any conceivable conditions conflict with Locarno?” the German Government might consent to the submission of the point to The Hague. The German Government will agree to the proposed international neutral zone only if it applies equally to the French side of the frontier. The suggestion that British and Italian troops should act as police does not appeal to a country which is asserting its complete sovereign independence as well as absolute equality with others.

A REASONED APPEAL

HERR VON RIBBENTROP’S SPEECH LONDON, 19th March. “The Times” in a leader says that Germany wisely used the opportunity wisely offered enabling her to appear before the world in a mood which the most embittered critic could hardly

POSSIBILITIES OF DANGER

MUST NOT BE EXCLUDED SPEECH BY M. FLANDIN (Received 21st March, 10.25 a.m.) PARIS, 20th March. While Mr Eden was making his state* ment M. Elandin, Foreign Minister, ad= dressed a crowded House. He said: “British and French relations are strengthened as the result of the London accord, which is a decisive step. French and British relations mean solidarity to enable us to check the hideous menace of war better than in 1914. I earnestly hope Germany will accept the proposals, which will open a new prospect for European peace. If Germany refuses the British and French Governments are resolved to draft and apply common men* cures recognised to be necessary. We must not exclude the possibilities of danger.’’ REFERENCE TO ABYSSINIA M. Flandini also declared: “I take satisfaction from the fact that I ant given to understand there will be a cessation of hostilities in Abyssinia re. suiting in the raising of sanctions and the restoration of the Stresa front.”

call defiant. Even those dissenting from Herr von Ribbeutrop must find in his speech a reasoned appeal to opinion and constructiveness where be League machinery- is invoked.