PARIS TALKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 November 1938, Page 6

PARIS TALKS

BRITAIN AND FRANCE QUESTIONS OF COMMON INTEREST EXCHANGE OF VIEWS fU.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright! (Received 25th November, 9.55 a.m.) PARIS, 24th November. It was learned after the morning talks that the Ministers expressed the opinion that it would be unwise at present to grant belligerent rights to General Franco. They also discussed military co-operation, Far East questions, and the French and German declaration, with which Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax expressed satisfaction. It is understood that the declaration includes a clause providing the mutual respect of treaties, enabling France to maintain her Soviet and Polish alliances. A joint report issued after the conversations states: “The visit gave an opportunity to exchange views on the principal questions of common interest, including national defence and diplomatic action. The discussions made plain a complete identity of views in the general policy of England and France, who are inspired by the same care for the maintenance and consolidation of peace.” Mr Chamberlain later said:—

There is the most complete agreement on general policy. We are determined to do all in our power to promote peace. It is particularly valuable that our Governments should take the opportunity of meeting, since he situation is always changing. Necessary measures for national defence is one of the steps we have to take to preserve the peace of Europe. It is of particular satisfaction that the Franco-German agreement is concluded, which has the same end as the agreement I signed with Herr Hitler.”