IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 27 February 1939, Page 6

IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION

THE recent debate in the House of Lords upon Anglo-French relations brought from Lord Addison the statement that the solidarity of interest by which Great Britain and France are united “is such that any threat to the interest of France, from whatever quarter it came” would evoke the immediate co-operation of Great Britain. The statement was corroborated by the British Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) who said that “it represented the unanimous view of the British Government, and the public response to it constituted, he thought, impressive testimony of the substantial unanimity of the whole country on that question.” The position is that for purposes

of defence Great Britain and France may be considered as one, and that in their desire to maintain the existing peace they have the sympathetic support of the President and Government of the United States. Lord Halifax emphasised the defensive nature of the Brito-French rapprochement by saying, “Anglo-French solidarity is not, and has never been, intended to constitute a menace of any sort to a third party,” and he added significantly, “The records of both Governments and the efforts both Governments have made to maintain peace are sufficient evidence of the truth of that statement.” No intelligent person in Great Britain or in the Dominions doubts that statement. There are in the Totalitarian States of Europe people who appear to believe in the use of force in settling international differences and disputes, and for that reason Great Britain is putting her defences on a sound basis, and is acting in close co-operation with the French Gdvernment. This does not mean that they are a menace to the peace of Europe, but on the contrary there is a distinct indication that the two great Powers of Western Europe are united in their determination to assist one another should the advocates of disruption endeavour to alter the existing conditions by the use of force. It will be noticed that the British Foreign Minister Was careful to refrain frohi any expression which might be seized upon as indicating an aggressive policy. It is rtot merely their geographical proximity which draws Great Britain and France into c.o-operatibn, but, as the Minister Was careful to point out, “the identity of interests and the completeness of their mutual understanding.” Apparently there had been sortie doubt cast upon Brito-French solidarity in the matter of defence, and the Minister s statement was made to counteract, oh both sides of the Channel, ahy suggestions that such co-operation is other than complete. Both nations’ interests are best promoted by the maintenance of peace, and In combination they hope to assure it. But in order to meet successfully ahy menace, from whatever quarter it may come, they have concluded that their safest plan is to form and implement comprehensive defensive systems which shall guarantee security.