EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 16 December 1936, Page 7

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

POLICY OF BRITAIN MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION REACTION TO GROWING WARLIKE CONFLICTS COMMENT ON MR EDEN’S SPEECH (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 15th December. The “Manchester Guardian’s” diplomatic correspondent says Mr Eden’s Bradford speech is an advance on any previous foreign affairs speeches because fft expresses a stronger British resolve to participate actively in European affairs, not only in the west but also east of the Rhine. The speech is also a reaction to the growing warlike conflicts on the Continent. It is believed in London that the time is coming when unilateral denunciation of treaties must cease. There are certain developments on the Continent, it is held, that cannot be permitted to continue unimpeded, nor can Britain afford to look indifferently on war-like conflicts abroad even if they do not directly menace vital British interests. It is emphasised that the Spanish war has been localised only with difficulty. There is still no absolute certainty that it will not spread, nor is it certain it will not touch vital British interests. When Mr Eden, therefore, refers to the deep British interest in maintaining the integrity of Spain and the Spanish possessions he utters a warning which Berlin, Rome, and Burgos can ill-afford to ignore. The speech clearly holds out the prospect of a British foreign policy that will grow more active and more resolute. As means lend it strength, its persuasion power will also increase. FEATURED IN FRENCH PRESS PARIS, 15th December. The press gives prominence to Mr Anthony Eden’s speech. The Right Wing paper “Le Jour,” declares that England is no longer remaining the shut up glass-house of the west, but is returning to the great imperial traditions of the Victorian age. Disquieting rumours of German troop movements on the Czechoslovakian frontier influenced Mr Eden, who will not tolerate a threat to her legitimate interests.