FRANCE AND BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 March 1936, Page 2

FRANCE AND BRITAIN

ACUTE CRISIS MAY DEVELOP WILL FRANCE LEAVE THE LEAGUE? fUuitad Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 26th March, 1 p.m.) LONDON, 25th March. The “Manchester Guardian’s” Paris correspondent says that the feeling is growing in France that all M. Flandin’s concessions are likely to be in vain, especially as it is reported from London that the draft letter promising France and Belgium British support in the event of a German attack has no practical significance. If Britain attempts to rebuild Europe according to Herr Hitler’s ideas it will mean an acute Anglo-French crisis, many declaring that France bad better leave the League if Britain is not prepared to support the League’s terms for reconstruction in preference to Herr Hitler’s. Tiie anti-French utterances of certain British newspapers are causing real dismay, ns it is insisted that France stands for peace, whereas Germany’s intentions are suspect, despite professions. Some wonder whether Anglo-German heart-to-heart talks with France out of the way, will result in Britain giving Herr Hitler a free hand to expand in East Europe.

BRITISH VIEWPOINT

MR EDEN PREPARING STATE* MENT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMONS (Received 26th March, 1 p.m.) LONDON, 25th March. ‘•‘The Times” diplomatic correspondent says that Mr Anthony Eden is very busy preparing a House of Commons statement which is expected to elucidate, (1) The importance the Government attaches to the temporary contribution Germany is asked to make in order to restore shattered confidence; (2) The limits set to negotiations by the requirements of France and Belgium after the large concessions they have already made; (3) The extent of British obligations to assist France and Belgium in the event of attack, and the scope of the proposed consultations between the General Staffs; (4) The nature of the obligations of mutual assistance and technical arrangements proposed to ensure their execution as part of a definite settlement ; (5) Procedure for a further exchange of views and the part the League Council will play therein. It is understood Mr Eden to-day informed Herr von Ribbentrop that Britain considered long range proposals would not meet the immediate situation. He hoped Herr Hitler would take into account the need for repairing the shattered confidence of Britain, and that he would offer a positive contribution to overcome the difficulties of the interim period, but Mr Eden is withstanding French pressure for early technical consultations on security with the objection that there is no cause for them until lierr Hitler presents his proposals. Ilerr von Ribbentrop will fly to Berlin on Thursday or Friday and is expected to return with the proposals on Monday or Tuesday.