PEACE OF EUROPE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19616, 21 October 1925, Page 7

PEACE OF EUROPE

TEXT OF THE PACT. DESIGNED TO END WAR. PRINCIPLE OF ARBITRATION. DEFINITE PLEDGES GIVEN Pres* Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 19. (Received Oct. 20, at 8.20 p.m.) The text of the Locarno Security Pact has been published. The Foreign Office issues a commentary stating that although it is not yet actually signed the terms are definitely fixed, and unalterable. When the conference reunites in London on December 1 for the formal signing the delegates will have behind them all the force of the considered opinion of the respective countries. Mr Chamberlain, from the moment that Britain indicated her unwillingness to accept the 1924 Protocol, emphasised Britain’s opinion that the most helpful method of solving the security problem was by a limited arrangement dealing effectively with the area from which trouble was most likely to spring, believing that the establishment of a better state of affairs on Germany’s western frontiers woui radiate good until general peace was assured. The Pact enshrines this policy. Article I contains a guarantee of the inviolability of the frontiers between Germany and I ranee, and between Germany and 'Belgium. Article II contains an express German undertaking not to make war on I ranee or Belgium, who are likewise pledged not to attack Germany. War becomes legitimate only when a dispute has been referred to the League and the Council fails to agree. The parties then may take such action as they think necessary for the maintenance of right and justice, but the Pact restricts this right, inasmuch as Germany, France, and Belgium agree that they will not resort to action except against the State, which has already made an attack. The Article also provides that c ’.lv after the League’s unanimous decision that action is called for can any party initiate measures amounting to war against any other contacting party. Article 111 envisages the ultimate elimination of war as a means of settling disputes. It contains a comprehensive engagement by Germany, France, and Belgium to settle their differences by peaceful methods before tribunals or commssions of conciliation. In the event of any party finding the commission’s recommendations unacceptable the dispute must go before the League under Article XV of the Covenant as a matter likely to lead to a rupture. This is as near os it is possible to get towards a watertight system for the peaceful settlement -of disputes arising from a clash_ of political interests and domestic policies.

Article IY particularly affects Britain, who guarantees to support - Germany if she is attacked by France and Belgium, and France and Belgium if they are attacked by Germany. The allegation that an attack has occurred must be reported to the League, and if the Council holds that an attack has been made the guarantee comes into immediate operation. Germany, France, and Belgium also join in this" guarantee. Thus, in the event of France attacking Germany the latter is instantly supported bv a combination of Britain, Belgium, ard Italy. If instant measures are necessaiy the guarantee operates immediately, provided that the guaranteeing forces are satisfied that an attack has occurred; but the case still goes before the League, whose findings are binding. Article V contains a guarantee of arbitration. The conventions between Germany, France, and Belgium draw a distinction between cases where failure to observe the convention is accompanied by resort to war, and where war occurs. In the first caso'all the other parties to the Locarno Treaty except the one making war will come to the help of tho Power attacked. In the second case the League Council considers the situation, and the parties agree to abide by the Council’s proposals. Article VI contains special rights under the Versailles or subsequent treaties. Article VII covers the League’s power, authority, and position, pointing out that, the treaty is intended to strengthen and not to weaken the League. It also provides supplementary guarantees within tho League’s framework.

Article VIII deals with the duration of the treaty. It docs not specify the period, but states that it can be terminated when the League is strong enough to ensure the protection of the parties. Article X importantly provides that the treaty shall not operate unless and until Germany enters the League of Nations. This has been an essential port of AngloFrench policy since the initiation of the diplomatic discussions on September 2. Germany has always felt anxious as to how her position would be affected under Article XVI of the Covenant if she joined the League. It was for the purpose of calming Germany’s fears that the Powers’ meeting at Locarno sent Germany a letter giving an interpretation of Article XVI.

The delegates signed the Protocol, declaring the firm conviction that the Locarno treaties and conventions would contribute greatly to bring about a moral relaxation of the tension between the notions and help powerfully towards a solution of many political and economic: problems: that tlrey would strengthen the peace and security of Europe, and hasten disarmament The treaty expressly declares that no obligations are imposed on the British dominions and India unless their Governments accept the tre&tv. Tlie guarantee treaties by which France jruavantecs the arbitration treaties between Germany and Poland and between Germany and Czecho-Slovakia are not mentioned in the Locarno treaty but come into force simultaneously. It is pointed out specifically that the Treaty of Locarno does not invalidate anv of the parties' special rights or undermine in the slightest the powers of the League of Nations.—A. and N.Z. Cable. COMMENT ON THE PACT. TERMS GENERALLY APPROVED. LONDON, October 20. (Received Oct. 20. at 9.40 p.m.) Tho diplomatic writers have not yet had time fully to analyse the Pact and the treaties which occupy over five columns of the Morning Post, but the text appears to be generally well received. The Daily Telegraph stresses the fact that Britain retains the full right to judge whether an act has been committed calling for British intervention. The paper's diplomatic correspondent, discussing "the Pact's main structural defect,'' asks bow tho remaining members of the league could hope to restrain the four or five Powers alrealy at war in the event of the League Council deciding acainst them. The Daily Telegraph adds: "The responsibility undertaken by Britain is no longer one from which we need shrink, bearing in mind how vitally the peace of the Continent concerns us." The Morning Post regards the Pact as the best guarantee yet devised to maintain peace in Europe.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

BELGIAN OPINIO. KING ALBERT'S GRATIFICATION. BRUSSELS, October 20. (Received Oct. 20, at 9.40 p.m.) King Albert telegraphed from Bombay "Profoundly happy at conclusion of Pact." M. Vandervelde', in an interview, said: "One of the greatest results is that Germany voluntarily recognises that the status quo is no longer a scrap of paper, but a moral engagement, the violation of which would have formidable consequences to anyone tempted to commit such a «rime. The second great thing is that we have Britain's guarantee, for which we r-ave been striving since 1919."—-A. and N.Z. Cable. ANGLO-FRENCH DELEGATES RETURN FROM LOCARNO. ENTHUSIASM IN PARIS. PARIS, October 19. Mr Chamberlain and M. Briand were welcomed at the station by Lord Crewe (British Ambassador), the Polish Minister, and members of the French Cabinet. A huge cfrowd cheered continuously. Mr Chamberlain received a gracious telegram from the King. The platform was draped with the French and British flags. Similarly, a French State function was held, betokening the importance attached to the return from Locarno. M. Briand was the first to alight. He hurried to assist Mrs Chamberlain from her carriage. Mr Chamberlain and M. Briand were photographed together. Mrs Chamberlain held a bouquet of red, white, and blue orchids, the gift of M. Painleve. As Mr Chamberlain was entering his motor car M. Briand stepped forward and kissed Mrs Chamberlain on both cheeks and embraced Mr Chamberlain. This hugely delighted the crowd, which shouted: '"'Vive la Paix!"—Renter. RHINELAND OCCUPATION PROBABLE ALLIED CONCESSIONS. PARIS, October 19. Mr Chamberlain and M. Painleve discussed changes in the occupation of the Rhineland, concerning which the Quai d'Orsay emphasises that no promises, either written or verbal, have been given to Gel-many with regard to the evacuation of Cologne, which depends upon Germany's execution of her disarmament obligations. Apart from the evacuation of Cologne, which, it is generally understood, will not be long delayed, a certain amount of satisfaction can be given to the Germans immediately in the shape of concessions rendering the Allied administration on the Rhine more palatable. —A. and N.Z. Cable. SOVIET MACHINATIONS. GERMANY AND THE PACT. HOPES OB' NON-RATIFICATION. LONDON, October 18. The successful issue of the Locarno Conference has caused a great impression in Moscow, though the Bolshevist chiefs are energetically pretending that nothing extraordinary has happened. They declare that Germany's defection is not yet complete, and that wrecking possibilities still exist, as ratification bv the Reichstag requires a two-thirds majoritv. They are apparently counting not only on the German Communistic elements in the Reichstag, but also on the extreme Nationalists, and there is already evidenoo that they intend _to do their utmost to propagate the view that in Germany's own interest the pact must not be ratified.—The Times. RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER. ANXIOUS TO MEET M. BRIAND. LONDON, October 20. (Received Oct. 20, at 5.5 p.m.) The Morning Post's Paris correspondent states that M. Tchitcherin telegraphed to M. Briand at Locarno asking for ar. interview to discuss the position arising out of the Pact. It is understood that M. Briand is agreenble to meet M. Tchitcherin.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE AMERICAN VIEW. STEP TOWARDS DISARMAMENT. LONDON, October 19. The Washington correspondent of The Times says that President Coolidge regards the Locarno Pact as a step towards dißnrmament, but he is not likely to take action, at least until the _ result of the Pact can be more fully estimated. It is also believed that the President is holding his hand at present from a feeling that, with the addition of Germany to its membership, the League of Nations may become so much more an efficient peace organisation as to entitle it to assume disarmament leadership. There is undoubtedly a new spirit of frifidlinpss towards the League, and while, of course, the agenda, if any, of the League Conference will have to be most carefullv examined from the American viewpoint, there would certainly b*> no disposition in advance to prevent full and hearty American co-oneratinn if it could possibly be given.—The Times. , DISARMEMENT CONFERENCE. PRESIDENT COOLIDGE FORESTALLED. WASHINGTON, October 19. (Received Oct. 20, at 8.5 p.m.) Considerations of vital importance regarding the foreign relations and international policy of the American Government have arisen in connection with the Locarno treaty. Responsible diplomatic quarters are convinced that President Coolidge is wrong iii the belief that the Locarno negotiations will promote the project for another Arms Conference at Washington. They believe that the European leaders deliberately and determinedly plan to denv Mr Coo'lidge's hope to lead the world towards tax reduction through international action. The Democrats see justification of Europe's attitude, declaring that the United States should be in the League of Nations. Europe, they point out, has waited patiently long enough for Washington to make a move, and is now instilled in proceeding without the United States. The general belief is that it is the spirit, not the place, of a disarmament conference that matters. They are positive that the purpose of 'Europe is to force the United States to seek membership in the League of Notions and participate in an Anns Conference abroad. There is a feeling also that Europe will scoff at the importance of American adherence to the World Court. The President's partisans are unwilling to acknowledge that the agreement will have a pro-Wilson effect. The dobate on the World Court will take place in the Senate in December next. —A. and N.Z. Cable.