RUSSIAN MOVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21806, 22 May 1934, Page 9

RUSSIAN MOVE

MAY JOIN LEAGUE SUPPORT FROM FRANCE PACT BETWEEN POWERS SOVIET'S CHIEF AIM MAJOR ISSUE AEISES Br Teleerspli—Press Association—CopTTicht /Received Mar 21. 6.5>0 p.m.^ LONDON. May 21 /.' The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Russia's inclination to join the League of Nations bids fair to become the major issue in European diplomacy. Due to the fear of Japan on the one hand and Germany on the other, it is hoped that as a member of the League Russia will gain moral and diV -iatic support, par- / ticularjy against Germany. France desires to bring Russia into the League in order to strengthen the s/• anti-German elements, France holding that Moscow's membership at Geneva would- help to justify an indirect alliance / between France, Russia, Czechoslovakia and certain Baltic powers. M.-- Litvinoff. the Russian Foreign Commissar, believes, moreover, that Russia would derive political prestige by joining ihe League at a moment when ./Japan and Germany have withdrawn. Moscow, however, is more intent upon,a pact of mutual than League membership. Hence M. Litvinoff is anxious to submit a plan for a paci to the Disarmament Conference immediately, instead of waiting for the Assembly of the League in September. M. Litvinoff will certainly fail to z make the pact comprehensive, as Britain. Italy and Poland are not going io be responsible for the defence of Soviet frontiers. Belgium, Yugoslavia and Rumania are similarly doubtful. Indeed, some of France's allies are alarmed 'that she may be saddled with | the. liability to defend Soviet frontiers, J and even question Russia's suitability for League membership owing to the erousing of controversies.