BRITISH DIPLOMACY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21805, 21 May 1934, Page 9

BRITISH DIPLOMACY

STRONG PRESS ATTACK CHARGE OF HYPOCRISY EUROPE SEEKING LEAD ALLEGATION OF FAILURE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 19 The News Chronicle says a study of tho speeches of Mr. Baldwin and Sir John Simon on disarmament, etc., would show how British diplomacy maintains its foreign reputation for hypocrisy in spite of their fulsome professions of attachment to peace. " Europe has vainly awaited a clear lead from England," says the paper, " and failure is foreshadowed by the pitiful bleatings of Sir John and Mr. Baldwin. War is upon us, yet apparently the initiative which these peace lovers could not bo induced to take on behalf of peace will be taken instantly when war is in prospect.

" Sir John's cowardly repudiation of our responsibilities in China and his slavish flattery of Japan complete the picture. The world is drifting to the shambles of another 1914 because those who should have been the guardians of peace lack the courage of their convictions and the sincerity to act upon them." *

The Times says:—" The British Government has itself largely to thank for the multitude of counsellors and the multiplicity of remedies of which Sir John Simon complained. It has too often given an impression of uncertainty just when Europe is seeking a lead. This criticism is particularly applicable to the Government's recent disarmament policy, which problem now rouses the greatest public uneasiness."

"LEAGUE DYING" CANNON NEXT TO SPEAK MUSSOLINI'S PESSIMISM (Received May 21. 12.15 a.m.) LONDON. May 20 "The League of Nations is dying and now it is 'his majesty the cannon' who will speak," said the Italian Prime Minister, Signor Mussolini, in a statement to the Sunday Chronicle. "Perhaps Britain can stdl play the card of using her power and prestige," continued Signor Mussolini. "The world is waiting for that, because millions of lives and the destiny of Europe are at stake. The Disarmament Conference is finished and a rearmament conference has begun." r RUSSIA AND LEAGUE LITVINOFF IN GENEVA SECURITY PACT SCHEME (Received May 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 19 A message from Geneva states that the Russian Foreign Commissar, M. Litvinoff, arrived there and had a long interview with the French Foreign Minister, M. Barthou. They discussed disarmament, the relations between France and the Soviet and the possibility of Russia's entry into the League of Nations.

The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Mail says the unexpected appearance in Geneva of M. Litvinoff has caused a sensation in diplomatic circles. It may mark the turning point in European relationships. One reason assigned for M. Litvinoff's visit is' Russia's anxiety to avoid a breakdown of the Disarmament Conference by submitting proposals for a mutual security pact.

UNDERGROUND HANGARS GERMAN AIR BOMBERS ACCOMMODATION FOR SIXTY (Bleceived May 20. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 19 The Strasburg correspondent of the Daily Mail says the newspapers report the existence of underground aeroplane hangars in a forest at Greifswalde, Pomerania, North. Germany. They have accommodation for 60 bombing machines. MIDGET SUBMARINE

JAPAN'S SECRET CRAFT (Received May 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 19 Japan's possession of a midget submarine constructed in great secrecy is referred to by the naval writer of the Daily Telegraph. He says the submarine is so small that it can be hoisted on board a large warship and used for surprise attacks.