FAITH IN PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22833, 14 September 1937, Page 9

FAITH IN PLAN

CONTROL AT SEA MR. EDEN EMPHATIC PROTEST BY RUSSIA FASCIST POWERS' VIEWS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Sept. 12 "If we haven't succeeded this time I'll eat my hat!" said Mr. Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, on leaving the three-Power piracy conference at Nyon, Switzerland, writes the Geneva correspondent of the Daily Mail. Tt is reported that M. Litvinoff (Thissia) protested against the agreement on the ground that it was not strong enough. He described it as weak and flabby, and therefore only agreed to refer it to Moscow for final approval.

Authoritative quarters in Rome state that Italy will consult Germany before agreeing, but if Germany approves the agreement Italy may agree in principle with the possible adjustment of the area in which Italian ships have control. It is understood the German attitude is a disinclination to become involved more than necessary in Mediterranean complications, says a Nuremberg despatch, but at the same time Germany desires to maintain solidarity with Italy.

Signor Mussolini is studying the anti-piracy plan, says a Rome message. Italians regard the exclusion of Russia from the Mediterranean patrol as a satisfactory feature. They also contend that the plan confers on General Franco's submarines rights of war under the London. Naval Treaty, which is tantamount to recognition of the navy as that of a belligerent in spite of the reservation of belligerent rights. German newspapers are equally gratified that Russia has been "shown the door."

NAVAL REQUIREMENTS MEDITERRANEAN STRENGTH REINFORCEMENTS FROM HOME Times Cable LONDON, Sept. 12 The naval correspondent of the Times says the anti-submarine agreement involves about 35 British destroyers in the Mediterranean, necessitating further augmentation of the usual strength of three flotillas, comprising 27 vessels. Four ships have already been added as an anti-piracy patrol, which will require four flotillas at least, and one flotilla in reserve. Reinforcements will be sent out from the Home Fleet. Aircraft will co-operate with destroyers, increasing their range and vision. Although protection of shipping will not be absolute, piratical sinking, which hitherto has involved little risk to the attackers, will become highly dangerous. If the Italians patrol the Tyrrhenian Sea the arrangements will be even more efficient.

STEAMERS RELEASED THREE BRITISH VESSELS LONDON. Sept. 12 Three British, vessels —the oil tanker Romford, captured only yesterday, and the Molton and Candleton Castle, two months ago—have been released by the insurgent authorities.