LOCARNO POWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22392, 13 April 1936, Page 9

LOCARNO POWERS

GENEVA MEETING RHINELAND COUP SUGGESTED SANCTIONS DISCUSSION ADJOURNED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 12. 0.43 p.m.) GENEVA, April 11 The representatives of the Locarno Powers met at 3 p.m. today to consider M. Flandin's secret note to Mr. Eden and Dr. van Zeeland (Belgium), asking for the enforcement of sanctions against Germany if she re-fortifies the Rhineland.

It was decided to adjourn until May 15. The British and Italian delegates then left for their homes. A communique states that the representatives of Britain, France, Belgium and Italy noted that the German Government had not made a contribution toward the re-establishment of the confidence indispensable to the negotiation of new treaties. They consider it desirable, however, to explore all opportunities of conciliation for the purpose of elucidating a number of points in the German memorandum, notably those to which attention was drawn in the French memorandum.

The representative of the United Kingdom was asked to establish touch with Germany for that purpose and to inquire particularly as to the meaning which Germany attaches to the proposed bilateral treaties and how tho?.' fall into the framework of collective security and mutual assistance provided by the League Covenant. France made all reservations in the .event of any material change in the Rhineland situation during these discussions, in the event of which the four Powers will meet immediately.

It was resolved to communicate tho French plan to the League for detailed examination and to ask Germany to agree to a similar submission of her memorandum of March 31. Baron Aloisi reserved approval on behalf of Italy. The communique formally records the initiation of General Staff talks on Wednesday and the decision to meet at Geneva in any case during the Council's sessions in May.

DECISIONS WELCOMED BRITISH PRESS VIEWS DELEGATES PRAISED (Received April 12. 6.45 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY. April 11 The morning newspapers show no disposition to minimise the international difficulties which the proceedings at Geneva have brought into relief rather than merged in any promise of solution. They express satisfaction at the decision of the representatives of the l/ocarno Powers, other than Germany, that it is desirable completely to explore all opportunities of conciliation, and that Germany is to be asked to elucidate points in her recent memorandum. These decisions are welcome because reports from Geneva indicate that the original view of the French representatives was in favour of an attitude which to the British public would have seemed much less constructive and hopeful. The Times says the British representatives are much to be congratulated on this promising achievement.

MOSCOW'S VIEW FRENCH PLAN SUPPORTED MOSCOW. April 10 The Soviet organ Izvestia, says that Russia supports M. Flandin's plan for a settlement in Europe as a means of checking a catastrophe which might bring untold disaster to Europe. M. Flandin exposes Germany's true aim as being to create the most favourable conditions for her to make war. If Britain favours collective security she must adopt the French plan or propose another one.