MEDITERRANEAN FORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22243, 18 October 1935, Page 11

MEDITERRANEAN FORCE

WITHDRAWAL REFUSED STRONG NOTE TO FRANCE DEMAND FOR CO-OPERATION By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 17. 10.55 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON. Oct. 17 The Paris correspondent of the Times says it is understood that a British Note to France refusing to reduce the: British naval strength in the Mediterranean emphasises that the existing precautions will be maintained until relations between Britain and Italy return to the basis of friendship. The Note also is believed to contain a reminder that Signor Mussolini now is at war in defiance of a number of solemn pledges and that the value of any future pledge is largely vitiated in advance. Further, the Note repeats the demand for an unconditional assurance that France will fulfil up to the hilt the obligation assumed by all the members of the League under Article XVI. of the Covenant that they will "mutually support one another in resisting any special measures aimed at one of their number by a Covenant-breaking State." According to the News Chronicle the previous French assurance is considered to be too evasive. This newspaper says fyf. Laval's view is understood to be that British naval reinforcements were sent to the Mediterranean before the League had reached any decision. Therefore the Fleet is not there under a League mandate and is not in a position to enforce sanctions. Apparently this means that in the event of an Italian attack no help from France can be expected. The British Ambassador to France, Sir George Clerk, in presenting the British Note, says the News Chronicle, laid stress in the strongest terms on the British view that full and complete French co-operation with the League is necessary. In other words, that M. Laval must finally decide whether the League i« of greater importance to France than the friendship of Italy.