PACT SIGNED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22003, 9 January 1935, Page 9

PACT SIGNED

FRANCE AND ITALY

GREAT STEP TO PEACE

POINTS OF AGREEMENT

CONSULTATIVE POLICY

AUSTRIAN GUARANTEE

By Telepraph—Press Association—Copyright ■British Wireless RUGBY. Jan. 7 The early announcement which was made in "Rome concerning the negotiations carried out by the Italian Prime Minister, Signor Mussolini, and the French Foreign Minis!or, M. Laval, related to agreement- in principle both on the Austrian and African qi estions. The documents ?mbodving the agreements were signed this evenin? in the Venice Pilace. ■ The pn-t consists of three main flcrooniont:; with add tional protocols. These agreements arrl protocols are regarded ns the greatest move for perioral Krropean peace since the Great War. They include a Franco-Italian agreement on colonial affairs, a general pact-for the Dannbian Basin, with a .guarantee of Austria's independence, and a general consultative policy in the interests of European peace. Tn addition there are several other documents which have for their aim the creation of. an atmosphere of peace among European nations. Provision is made -in the first place asserting ihe necessity for the political independence of Austria. This convention has been signed in the first instance by France and Italy alone, but it is proposed to extend it at the second stage' to the States bordering on Austria. including Germany. Later it will be open to the assent of ..other States, including Rumania and Poland.

The Rome correspondent of the Times says; this convention will be complementary to the general pact nnder which the Danubian States will agree to abstain from interference in each other's internal affairs.

OUTLOOK BRIGHTER

BRITISH LEADERS' VIEWS

TRANQUILLITY OF EUROPE

British 'Wireless RUGBY, Jan. 7 The news of the Rome accord has been received with particular satisfaction in London, where the progress of the negotiations has been followed with special interest, and throughout the exchanges which preceded the negotiations the British Government has kept in very close touch with Paris and Rome.

On arriving in London to-day from Lossiemouth the Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, expressed the view that the outlook both at home and internationally was really better, and that the New Tear could be faced with increased confidence.

The Rome negotiations were referred to in a New Year broadcast speech by the Prime Minister as one of the favourable signs in the international situation. Ho said: "The New Year will be marked by great advances in the tranquillity of Europe." Sir John Simon, British Foreign Secretary, who ,was to have returned to London to-day, was delayed by fog in Paris, which stopped the air services. He left later by train, en route to London. He . expressed deep personal satisfaction at the news of the agreement between France and Italy. " Peace will be all the more strengthened," said Sir John.

The English newspapers look forward with confidence to the visit to London of the French Prime Minister, M. Flandin, and M. Laval, as an occasion for taking the next step in this task of European appeasement.

FEELING IN EUROPE

DIPLOMATIC TRIUMPH

CONCESSIONS TO ITALY

PARIS. Jan. 7

France is delighted with the consummation of the Franco-Italian rapprochement, involving European co-operation and tine solution of colonial difficulties. Italy receives several "concessions in Northern Africa, an area 800 by 100 miles north of Tibesti, and a smaller area at Babelmandeb, not including the harbour at Obok. Italian residents in Tunis retain neutrality for two generations, and Italy is allowed to purchase several thousand shares in the Djibouti-Abbis Abada railwav.

The agreement is considered to be a diplomatic triumph for M. Laval and Signor Mussolini. The Li-.tle Entente's feeling toward Italy has improved and Hungary is reported to be satisfied. It is believed that Germany is not likely to stand aloof, but her answer to the Rome proposals is not expected before the conclusion of the Saar plebiscite.

RECEIVED BY POPE

M. LAVAL'S AUDIENCE ROME, Jan. 7 . The Pope to-day received in audience ft the Vatican, the French Foreign Minis ter, M. Laval, who has been in consultation with Sig:ior Mussolini concerning the Franco-Italian Pact. M Laval is the first statesman who has been honoured in this way by a Pojxj since tiie -days of Napoleon.