AIR CONVENTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22026, 5 February 1935, Page 9

AIR CONVENTION

STRENGTH OF POWERS POSITION IN GERMANY RAPIDITY OF INCREASE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. Feb. 3 In terms of numbers the aircraft strength of the Powers concerned in the proposed air convention is approximately as follows Britain, 1450. France., 3000, of which only 1650 are first-line machines. Italy, 1507. Belgium, 310. Germany, 1100. The Daily Telegraph's aviation expert says: There is no reason to believe the German total, as given above, is not approximately accurate. It is the official French estimate, revealing the rapid increase of the past few months, which is known to be continuing. The German total includes a'considerable number of highly efficient training aircraft which, although potential fighters, are not comparable with high-powered, modern fighters. The French air service at present is less efficient than the British but reequipment is proceeding with vigour. The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent says: The " Aerial Locarno '■ proposal provides for Britain a guarantee against agression not inherent in the original treaty. It is emphasised that the projected pact is not a Franco-British fait accompli, but a proposal to be submitted to Germany for consideration, in which she will be asked to join on terms of absolute equality. This should preclude any question of affront. Developments will proceed now through diplomatic channels. The text of the agreement between Britain and France will be handed to Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler tonight. The Rome correspondent of the Telegraph says there is every reason to believe that Signor Mussolini will accept the proposals for the " Aerial Locarno" as*a basis of conversations between the British, French, German and Belgian Governments. Germans are now speculating whether the question of the return of their colonies may be raised in connection with Herr Hitler's demand for equality of rights. The News Chronicle 6ays the AngloFrench suggestions made at the conferences were ingenious and well-con-sidered, and should form a new starting point toward European peace. Germany certainly should see in them no vestige of hostility or encirclement, but an honourable means of facilitating a return to the comity of nations. VIEWS ON AGREEMENT. GOODWILL TO "GERMANY CHORUS OF APPROVAL (Received February 4, 6.25 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, Feb. 4 The Times in a leading article says the agreement between Britain and France may prove to be the most valuable contribution to European peace since Locarno as the Ministers boldly faced the twin problems of German equality and French security. There is goodwill toward Germany in every paragraph. Amid a chorus of general approval the Daily Express, which advocates splendid isolation, opposes the aerial convention which it declares will plunge Britain deeper into the European maelstrom. The paper says: Britain now is pledging herself in Europe as she pledged herself before the Great War, the only difference being that her commitment formerly was secret but now is an open action.

The Morning Post says: We have dallied too long with the dangerous delusion of a disarmed world. We shall be able to look other nations in the eyes when we combine with our friends and put an end to any lurking expectation that we can be caught disarmed unawares. DIPLOMATIC HISTORY AIM IMPORTANT DATE M. LAVAL ON AGREEMENT LONDON, Feb. 3 The French Foreign Minister, M. Laval broadcast ■•.the results of the London conversations to France from London after which he talked to journalists with the microphone switched on so as to enable French listeners to hear. M. Laval emphasised Anglo-French friendship, unity and solidkrity of interests in which the discussions had been carried on and expressed the opinion that after the Saar and the Rome agreements the London conversations mark an important date in diplomatic history. " M. Flandin and myself," said M. Laval, " wholeheartedly hope that the results will be cordially welcomed, especially by Germany, who, wo trust, will respond to our pressing call. It is the hope of Britain and France to pursue and achieve methodically the organisation of European security. We have worked hard for peace." The proposed aerial pact between France and Britain has been communicated to Germany, Italy and Belgium. FRENCH COMMENT STEP TOWARD PEACE' . THE RESULT WELCOMED PARIS, Feb. 3 The French newspapers generally acclaim the success of the London discussions. Le Temps characterises them as equalling in importance the Rome agreements, and says they must not be interpreted as a Franco-British solution imposed on other nations, but as a recommendation of methods most suitable to produce a general settlement. It is a great step toward the consolidation of peace. L'lntransigeant says everything will now 'be changed in international relations.' Aviation is the mispress of peace and can police the world. Lo Journal des Debats laments the recognition of German rearmament as due to successful blackmailing, but says the air agreement is more valuable than the Locarno Pact. Populaire says the solution is satisfactory if it can be fully realised. j