LOCARNO PLAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 March 1936, Page 7

LOCARNO PLAN

FIRM FRENCH ATTITUDE AGREEMENTNOT TO BE ABANDONED NO MORE BARGAINING WITH GERMANY (Received 25th March, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, 24th March. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that the Government’s view after the London meetings was that the Powers’ proposals must be accepted or rejected as a whole. M. Flandin deliberately emphasised this in bis speech in the Chamber of Deputies on 20th March and lias now reaffirmed it. He added that he was going to his constituency to-day and the date of his return depends on the nature of the German reply. The Government’s stiffening attitude is due to the feeling that a line must he drawn somewhere in the process of concession under pressure and that French moderation regarding the violation of the Rhineland would now be repaid by an unmistakable token of German goodwill. Complete acceptance of the Powers’ proposals would, from the French viewpoint, satisfy this test. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says that M. Flandin’s statement is interpreted in London as meaning that he does not wish to be identified at present with any further bargaining with Germany. He feels that France has made sufficient concessions. M. Paul Boncour is reported to have intimated that if M. Flandin does not return to London he will be reluctant to remain as lie does not desire to assume the responsibility of entering into discussion on the German counterproposals, which Paris may ultimately reject. The “Daily Herald” points out that M. Flandin’s attitude is in direct contradiction to the impression prevailing in London that both France and Belgium are ready to consider sympathetically any reasonable German coun-ter-proposals. A French Foreign Office official at Paris emphatically denied that M. Flandin said anything categorical. He simply replied good-humouredly to interrogators: “If the question of German counter-proposals arises I cannot at present go to London, as I am going to Yohne for the election campaign.” LONDON, 23rd March. _ A Paris message says it is authoritatively stated that the French Government has no intention of aban-

doning tiie London agreement and that M. Flandin, Foreign Secretary, reempliasies that the proposals must be accepted in their entirety or rejected. It is reported that he has decided not to return to London to discuss German counter-proposals.

COUNTER-PROPOSALS DISCUSSION NOT REFUSED BY »I. CORBIN FOREIGN OFFICE STATEMENT (Received 25th March, 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, 24th March. The French Ambassador, M. Paul Corbin, cabled the Foreign Office, after which it was officially stated that M. Corbin had not said France would not discuss German counter-proposals. “Tlie Times” Paris correspondent Says although the uncertainties of the French elections necessarily affect M. Flandin s plans, his departure for his constituency from where lie is not expected to return before the week-end, r is also a gesture concerning the White Paper, which the French still maintain, must be taken in its entirety. The British view that it can be modified to suit German exigencies caused bitter disappointment, and some indignation. It is pointed out 'tlmt France’s dropping her insistence oil partial withdrawal of German troops from the Rhineland constituted a most substantial concession. If France accepted tho British suggestion oTah international force, it was on the understanding that Britain would stand by her own proposal. It is believed that British proposals are more acceptable to Germany than a symbolic, withdrawal.’ There are strong hints’that if. Germany, apes .not make at lease symbolic amends, France; will refuse, to continue the present conversations, otherwise there would be no end to concessions extracted from France, because Germany feels sufficiently strong to impose her will on Europe. TOO LATE FOR LEAGUE MEETING WILL BE MADE DIRECT TO MR EDEN (Received SAth March, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, ■ 24th March. The League Council secret meeting has been adjourned. The next meeting will be held at Geneva when summoned by the President. Meantime the Locarno Powers will keep the Council informed. Herr von Ribbcntvop arrived at Croydon too late, to attend the League Council’s meeting, and instead he will go to tlie Foreign Office to communicate the counterproposals direct to Mr. Anthony Eden. There is a strong feeling in League circles in favour of diseflssions through diplomatic channels. PEOPLE BEHIND HITLER (Received 25th March, 9.25 a.m.) BERLIN, 24tli March. Ilerr von Ribbentrop stated lie would see Mr Eden this evening. He is not speaking in London to-day, but will probably do so to-morrow. The German people are behiud Hitler.