COMMON AIM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 7

COMMON AIM

NORTHERN powers NEUTRAL POLICY : CONFERENCE HELD COMPLETE "UNANIMITY By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received February 26, 5.5 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, Feb. 25 The Danish, -Norwegian and Swedish Foreign Ministers—Dr. Munch, M. Koht and M. Gunther—held a long .informal conference yesterday- Later they issued the following statement: —It is the most profound and most serious desire of all the northern peoples that the RussoFinnish conflict may as early as possible be brought to a peaceful solution which will preserve Finland's full independence. "We have ascertained that we are unanimous in respect of the policy of neutrality, and we reject all assertions to the effect that our neutrality is exercised under pressure from either side. We intend to continue this policy impartially and independently in our relations with all/,sides. "We have agreed to maintain the inviolability of neutral territory in accordance with international law. "We have agreed to raise serious objections to, aud to endeavour to avert the violation of the principles of international law in naval warfare, which inflicts considerable losses in human life and economic values on neutral States when they mairftain their shipping in order tp keep up legitimate and necessary trade. "Our Governments should support each other mutually and join in negotiations with the belligerents when necessary. We will gladly welcome any en- "" deavour to initiate negotiations between the belligerents with the view to a just and permanent peace." M. Koht revealed that the conference discussed the Altmarck case, which - Norway was prepared to submit to any court of arbitration Britain was willing . to designate. Germany has ,not yet replied to the Norwegian Notes regarding the sinking of Norwegian ships, and therefore Norway continues to press for full compensation.. v REVERSE FOR ENEMY "WEST FRONT INCIDENT FRENCH REPULSE RAID ■c (Received February 26, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Feb. 25 The official French communique this evening stated: "After trench mor- , tar preparation the enemy attempted a raid on one of our outposts between the Rhine and 'the Vosges. This raid was at once repulsed with losses."

GERMAN INTRUDERS AIRCRAFT OVER HOLLAND t DUTCH FLIERS IN FIGHT (Received February 26, 6.5 p.m.) THE HAGUE. s Feb. 25 A Dutch fighter aeroplane engaged a German bomber in a machine-gun battle over North Brabant. The German damaged the Dutch machine before fleeing. Holland is protesting strongly that the German aeroplane not only violated Dutch territory,/ but opened fire on the t Dutch machine, the occupants of which ■ were lawfully executing their duty. The Dutch aircraft was hit three times. The German escaped over' Belgium.

A second German machine over Cen- " tral Holland drew . anti-aircraft fire. SOLDIERS WARNED i WOMEN IN UNIFORM POSSIBLE ENEMY SPIES J / LONDON, Feb. 25 "Beware of women in uniform," reads fi warning contained in general orders issued from the headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force, which form part of a campaign against espionage. The order sayp a uniform is no guarantee of the bdna-fides of the wearer. Even priests and Sisters of Mercy should not bo regarded as immune from suspicion. ITALIAN TRADE " i ■ i J BARTER WITH GERMANY •< . 1 TURKEY'S AGREEMENT (Received February 26, 5.5 p.m.) ROME, Feb. 25 Italy and Germany have concluded * one-year trade pact. It is believed to envisage an exchange of goods.worth £78,000,000, which would not be an expansion of the normal peace-time trading. Italy and Turkey hare signed a trade pact covering 1940. ARMY FOOTBALLERS / f - ' RUGBY UNION MATCH ENGLAND BEATS FRANCE (Received February 26, 5.5 p.m.) , LONDON. Feb. 25 In a Rugby Union football match in France to-day an English Army team defeated a French Army team by 36 points to 3. Some really fine football was played, Bays a British .official wireless message. The game was watched with enormous enthusiasm by a large crowd. W. Woollen a Welsh international player, distinguished himself by scorrng three , tries. '-Jr L PALESTINE COMMANDER (Received February 26, 5.5 p.m.) ; Jerusalem, Feb. 25 ■ Lieutenant-General G. J. Giffard has arrived at Jerusalem. He sucWeds Lieutenajit-General Barker as general officer commanding in Pales-t-ma.