SOVIET PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23302, 22 March 1939, Page 13

SOVIET PLAN

POWERS' PARLEY A COMMON FRONT THE EUROPEAN CRISIS BEQUEST TO BRITAIN Independent Cable Service (Received March 21, 5.5 p.m.) * . LONDON, March 20 It is understood that the British Cabinet considered a suggestion by the Soviet that Britain should call an immediate conference of the Foreign Ministers of Britain, France, the Soviet, Poland and the Balkan States. V According to well-informed circles M. Maisky, Soviet Ambassador, made the suggestion during a meeting with the Foreign Secretary, .Viscount Halifax, at which M. Maisky promised immediately to consult his Government regarding a British invitation to join in a common front. Lord Halifax is reported to have asked whether Britain could rely upon full military support by the Soviet. M. Maisky replied that he could not. undertake a commitment beyond current treaty obligations, but M. Litvinoff, Foreign Minister, he said, was most anxious to discuss the situation. The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says British consultations with Russia are likely to continue. After Lord Halifax's inquiries on Saturday concerning the possibility of the peaceloving Powers framing a common policy, the proposal to summon the conference jvas made. This Britain is considering. It is a question whether a conference jfrould better serve the interests of peace than the of diplomatic contacts between Britain, France, Russia and Poland, says the correspondent.

PROBLEM FOR NAZIS ADVANCE ON RUMANIA DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY TRANSPORT OBSTACLES Independent Cable Service LONDON. March 20 The Evening Standard states that the belief is growing in London that German military action against Rumania is not likely at present because, in the lirst place, there are inadequate roads and railways through the Carpatho-TJkraine. Secondly, the Iron Guard is now impotent. Thirdly, no efforts have been made to foment trouble among the German and Hungarian minorities in Rumania, FRENCH NORTH AFRICA munitions manufacture (Received March 21, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, March 20 The Prime Minister, M. Daladier, fend General Nogues will attend a meeting of the Mediterranean Committee to-dav. The committee will discuss the building of munition factories In North Africa. CROATS WANT HOME RULE Independent Cable Servico * ' BELGRADE, March 20 The Croat leader, M. Machek, to-day publicly demanded home rule for the Croatians.