INVITED TO LONDON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 7

INVITED TO LONDON

FRENCH PRIME MINISTER DISARMAMENT DISCUSSIONS (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, October 10. M. Herriot has accepted the invitation extended to him by Mr Ramsay MacDonald and will visit London, probably on Wednesday or Thursday. The purpose of the visit is to enable the two Prime Ministers to discuss the difficulties which beset the problem of international disarmament. It was with the object of helping forward a solution of some of these diffi culties that the British Government . a few days ago suggested the Four-Power Conference. Its proposal has been agreed to in principle by the Powers concerned, but the date and place have still to be fixed. It is hoped that the British Government’s further initiative in inviting M. Herriot to London may help to solve those points, in addition to other matters. Referring to criticisms which have been passed on the Four-Power Conference proposal, The Times says:—“ There was never any idea that the projected meeting should usurp in any way or to the smallest extent the functions of the Disarmament Conference itself. The onlv object contemplated has been to reach such an understanding as will enable the conference to get down to effective work." FRENCH DISARMAMENT PLANS. WASHINGTON INTERESTED. WASHINGTON, October 10. (Received Oct. 11, at 11 p.m.) Officials expressed keen interest in the French disarmament plans. However, it is indicated that the Government is adamant in its opposition to any form of security pact.

The French plans provide for simultaneous disarmament spread over five years, the League of Nations to control all the air forces. A tribunal would bo chosen to decide who is the aggressor in cases of conflict. Tanks, aeroplanes, and other aggressive armament would be parked under the auspices of the League, and placed at the disposal of any victim of aggression.