PACTS AGAINST AGGRESSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 April 1939, Page 8

PACTS AGAINST AGGRESSION

THE SOVIET’S PART POSITION OF TURKEY AND RUMANIA t British Official Wireleavl RUGBY, 15th April. Added significance is given to yesterday's interview between the Russian Ambassador. M. Maisky, and Lord I Halifax. Foreign Minister, in view of ; the Ministerial statements in both J Houses of Parliament on Thursday concerning the importance which the Gov- I ernemnt attaches to the part Russia | might play in the new policy toward j European peace. Arrangements have been made for j the British Ambassador in Moscow to | see M. Litvinov, Soviet Foreign Minister, to-morrow, and it is anticipated that the possibilities of associating the Soviet Government in a system of pacts against aggression, in which London and Paris have taken the initiative, will be discussed. While the conversations between Lord Halifax and M. Maisky were proceeding in London, M. Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, was in consultation with the Russian Ambassador in Paris. TURKEY’S POSITION Meanwhile, consultations on the new security system are being continued between Britain and Turkey, account being taken not only of Britain’s concern in Turkey's independence, but also of Turkey s own weighty influence in the cause of peace throughout the Balkans. In view of Great Britain’s pledge to Rumania, importance is attached by the Press to the movements of M. Gafencu, Rumanian Foreign Minister, who will visit Brussels on 21st April, immediately after his visit to Berlin. It has been indicated to him that he will be very welcome in London if he wishes to come when he leaves Belgium. No formal invitation has been sent, but there is much to discuss concerning the British assurance, and his visit would provide an excellent opportunity. DR GAFENCU ON WAY TO BERLIN (Received 17th April. 11.25 a.m.) | BUCHAREST, 16th April. ! Dr Gafencu. Foreign Minister, lef* for Berlin.