THE FRENCH REPLY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22212, 15 March 1934, Page 9

THE FRENCH REPLY

TO BRITISH MEMORANDUM LIKELY TO BE MOMENTOUS (United Press Association.) (By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, March 14. (Received March 14, at 11.30 p.m.) There is a growing impression that the French reply to the British disarmament memorandum will be momentous. The French Cabinet again discussed the matter, but it is realised that the reply, as drafted,. is likely to end the disarmament discussions in their present form, therefore a fourth Cabinet meeting will be held before the terms are finally settled.

The Morning Post's Paris correspondent says: " The reply will definitely reject the British proposals. France has not only halted but has almost certainly reversed her policy of gradual disarmament. Moreover, since Great Britain seems not in the mood to cooperate closely on foreign policy, France is looking to Rome and Moscow. The latter is reckoned here as a definite supporter of the status quo in Europe, and she is thought to have strengthened her military position in eastern Siberia sufficiently to spare energy for European affairs."

This confirms the Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent, who gathers that the Soviet Government, feeling itself less threatened by Japan in the Far East, aspires again to an active diplomatic role in Europe. M. Litvinoff is preparing to launch a new security plan, involving a general pact of mutual assistance as well as non-aggression, to which all Powers will be invited to subscribe. Moscow expects Tokio's rejection and would use this to expose Japanese aggressiveness, while France's adhesion would facilitate a Franco-Russian alliance against Nazi Germany, which is one of the Soviet's present aims. ..