NO MISUNDERSTANDING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 12 May 1939, Page 5

NO MISUNDERSTANDING

BRITAIN AND FRANCE WILL CARRY OUT PLEDGES MR CHAMBERLAIN’S CLEAR DECLARATION IBritish Official Wireless] (Received 12th May, 11 a.m) . RUGBY, 11th May. A declaration that there was only one danger of war in Europe and that was if the impression should get about that Britain and France were not in earnest and could not be relied upon to carry out their pledges, was the notable feature of a speech to women Conservatives at the Albert Hall by Mr Chamberlain.

The Prime Minister said that no greater, no more deadly mistake could be made abroad than to be misled by such an impression; and in reference to Danzig he added emphatically that if an attempt were made to change the situation there by force in such a way as to threaten Polish independence, that would inevitably start a general conflagration in which Britain would be involved.

In another allusion to the international situation Mr Chamberlain said that the British people had se #ed down in a mood of firm fixed resolve, confident in their strength, and clear in their consciences that their Government had done, and was doing, all that men could do to preserve peace, and convinced of the right and unselfishness of their aims. He added that Britain was ready as ever to listen to the views of others, but was determined not to submit to dictation. It had never been Britain’s wish to isolate or encircle Germany nor to stand in the way of her natural and legitimate trade expansion. Neither in armaments nor economics did Britain desire to enter into unbridled competition with Germany. Britain would not refuse to discuss with Germany measures for the increase of trade or the improvement of economic conditions provided only Britain could have unmistakable signs from Germany or a desire to restore the confidence which had been so severely shaken.

Mr Chamberlain repudiated the suggestion that the basis of the AngloGerman Naval Treaty had been removed, as Herr Hitler had attempted to claim, by the change in the British attitude towards Germany.

BURDEN OF ARMAMENTS Speaking of the great burden of armaments which lay upon the world, the Prime Minister observed that if only the world could get a respite from the international tension, from anxiety regarding war, they could look confidently forward to a great expansion of trade and prosperity from which, not one, but every people in the world would benefit.

NON-AGGRESSION PACT

BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS WITH TURKEY STATEMENT EXPECTED SHORTLY LBritish Official Wireless] RUGBY, 10th May. Mr Chamberlain, Prime Minister, told the House of Commons to-day that he hoped to make a statement shortly on the negotiations with Turkey, adding that there was no intention to delay this statement until the discussions with the Soviet had been concluded.

OFFER OF GUARANTEE TO GERMANY

Mr Chamberlain was also asked in the House what reply had been received from Germany to Britain’s offer to guarantee Germany against aggression and whether the offer had been conveyed through a diplomatic channel. He replied: “While, as I stated in my reply last Wednesday, the British Government is ready to consider proposals to exchange reciprocal assurances with Germany, this offer has not been conveyed through a diplomatic channel and Britain has not received any communication from Germany on the subject.”

UNITED FRONT NEEDED

BARRIER AGAINST AGGRESSION DEMOCRACIES AND RUSSIA fU.P.A —By Eloctric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 12th May, 9 a.m.) MOSCOW, 11th May. The official organ “Isvestia” says that Russia has maintained and will continue to maintain, that, if Britain and France really want to create a barrier against aggression, then a united front of mutual assistance should be created embracing Britain, France, Poland and Russia, or at least Britain, France and Russia.

These three, bound by a pact of mutual and reciprocal assistance, should guarantee other slates in Eastern and Central Europe which are threatened by aggression.

RAW MATERIALS FROM DOMINIONS

SUGGESTION TO BE KEPT IN MIND IU P A -Bv Electric Tplegrnpb— Copyrieht 1 (Received 12th May. 12,35 p.m.) LONDON, 11th May. In the House of Commons. Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying to Mr Alfred Edwards (Lab.) said the Government would keep in mind the suggestion empowering the Ministry of Supply to purchase and store raw materials from the Dominions to ensure adequate supplies and prevent the building up of a potentia l °nemy force.

SHOT DEAD WHILE ESCAPING

0 P A—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right. 1 (Received 12th May, 12.45 p.m.) BUCHAREST. 11th May Twenty-four Rumanians of Bulgarian origin who had been arrested on charges of espionage, were shot dead while attempting to escape.