EUROPEAN POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22487, 4 February 1935, Page 9

EUROPEAN POLICY

INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSIONS AN ENCOURAGING ATMOSPHERE (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) * (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, February 1. (Received Feb. 3, at 5.5 p.m.) The Anglo-Frenchi conversations which were, begun this morning were continued this afternoon. After the several Ministers separated the following joint communique was issued:—"The Prime Minister and Mr Baldwin, Sir John Simon and Captain Eden met M. Flandin and M. Laval at 10 Downing street to-day. Two meetings were devoted to a general examination of'the principal questions of European policy. The Ministers were glad to note spirit of friendly confidence in which the exchange of views was being undertaken and pursued."

His Majesty's Government gave a dinner to-night in honour of M. Flandin and M. Laval, the Prime Minister presiding. The guests numbered over 70.

,"' EVERYTHING GOING WELL " CABINET HASTILY SUMMONED MOVEMENTS OF FRENCH MINISTERS LONDON, February 2. (Received Feb. 3, at 7.30 p.m.) "Everything is going well, but the discussions are unfinished," said Sir John Simon when he left No. 10 Downing street at 8 p.m. after the AngloFrench conversations, which lasted for five hours.

The French Ministers hurried out to dine before the resumption at 9.30. The day's surprise was the sudden summoning of Cabinet —an unusual event for a Saturday—after the morning's negotiations, which were informally carried on till lunch time. The Cabinet meeting lasted 15 minutes. Members, it is reported, have been shown, a secret dossier, prepared by the French general staff, scheduling the German military forces.

The continuance of negotiations after dinner necessitated M. Flandin postponing his visit to Sir Gomer Berry at Farnham, where Sir Neville Chamberlain was also a guest. M. Flandin is going to Farnham to-morrow, where he is expected to discuss financial affairs with Sir Neville Chamberlain. M. Laval is expected to leave for home in the morning. He visited Mr Arthur Henderson and discussed the continuance of the Disarmament Bureau's work.

COMMENTS ON DISCUSSIONS "HIGH MEASURE OF AGREEMENT" AIMS AND OBjEFs OF PARTIES LONDON, February 3. (Received Feb. 4, at 0.20 a.m.) The Anglo-French conversations were resumed at 9.40 p.m., and broke up at ii.4si ''-".■■:' "■-.■•:■. ■-.-'■ •■■..■■■ -.';,. Sir John Simon said: "We shall have to Bit again to-morrow. The discussions will be resumed at 4.30 p.m. M. Laval has postponed his departure until Monday.'' ' i The French Ministers remained for more than an hour engaged in telephone conversations with Paris and talking to French journalists. . It has been learned from an authoritative source that the conversations proceeded satisfactorily. An agreement has virtually been reached or will be concluded to-day, after which a communique will be issued. It is stated from wellinformed French sources that the proposals drawn up for an air convention between England and France met with a substantial measure of agreement. In respect to this question, details remain to be worked oUt by experts of both countries. It is also suggested that the communique will incorporate a proposal for the cancellation of the military clauses in the' Versailles with the exception of the demilitarisation of the left bank of the Rhine. The general atmosphere among the French representatives appeared to be one of satisfaction. It is emphasised that no formal pact has been prepared, but one French authority said: We realised a high measure of agreement. The Paris Havas Agency states that an agreement is assured on the lines of a convention limiting armaments and replacing the military clauses of the Versailles Treaty. The parties aim at the completion of Danubian and Eastern pacts, Germany's return to the League of Nations, and a defensive air agreement whereto Germany, Belgium and Italy will be asked to adhere. This will retain its validity even if Germany refuses to participate.