TALKS AT BRUSSELS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 28 April 1937, Page 5

TALKS AT BRUSSELS

PROPOSED WESTERN PACT ATTITUDE OF GERMANY BELGIUM AND LEAGUE OBLIGATIONS [United Press ..ssooiation—By Electric Telegraph-Copy right) LONDON, 27th April. The German attempt to neutralise Belgium permanently, thereby paralysing Franco-British intervention on the western front in the event of trouble in the east, formed the background of yesterday’s conversations between Mr Anthony Eden. British Foreign Minister, and Belgian Ministers, says the "Morning Post’s” Erussels correspondent.

The German Government, it is understood, intimated that they will only guarantee Belgian independence if Belgium denounces the League Covenant obligations, and gives assurances that she will not allow under any circumstances the passage of foreign troops across her territory. The correspondent adds there is no doubt that Germany is employing all her resources to wean Belgium from Franco-British influence. The chief result of Mr Eden's conversations is to show how far she has not succeeded

PEACE IN EUROPE

NEW PACT OF SECURITY (Received 28th April, 10.5 a.m.) BRUSSELS. 27th April. Alter an interview between Mr Anthony Eden and M. Van Zeeland, Prime Minister, Dr. Spark. Belgium Foreign Minister, issued a communique stating that the discussions centred chiefly on the strengthening of peace in Europe and the elaboration of a new pact of security for Western Europe.

EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ONLY

ATMOSPHERE OF CORDIALITY [British Official Wireless] (Received 20th April, 12.10 p.m.) RUGBY, 26th April. The Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, arrived at Croydon by air from Brussels this evening. A communique issued at the conclusion of the conversations states that the conversations, which consisted purely of an exchange of views and had not the character of negotiations, were carried on in an atmosphere of complete cordiality. They afforded an opportunity to make clear how close was the conformity between the points of view of the two Governments.