TALKS AT STRESA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22545, 12 April 1935, Page 9

TALKS AT STRESA

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING POWERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS HOPES OF EARLY SOLUTION (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, April 10. It is anticipated in London that the Three-Power Conference will have completed its business by the week-end. Mr . MacDonald hopes to be able to fly back from Stresa in time to hear the Budget speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, but Sir John Simon will proceed to Geneva to attend a special meeting of the League Council. Sir John Simon said; “It would be incorrect to assume that the British Government has no policy. It -has been always understood that the main purpose of Stresa is to collect the views of the British, French, and Italian Governments, in the light of the impressions gained by British Ministers as to the best methods of assuring the maintenance of peace in Europe in the circumstances created by the recent developments, chief among which is the rearmament of Germany.” While Sir John Simon at the conclusion of his statement issued a special warning that no inference should be drawn from unauthorised comments and pronouncements in British newspapers, • an influential section of the British press is firmly convinced that the British people would be prepared to support the line indicated by Mr Baldwin in his speech on Monday, to the effect that the British Government is con-, sidering the best possible method of establishing a system of collective security inside the League of Nations. The News-Chronicle believes that Brb tain should put herself unreservedly behind the strengthening of the Covenant, and the more, precise sanctions under T article 16. : and should attempt at the same time to exact an understanding on the limitation of armaments. ■ ' The Manchester Guardian also favours decision on the principle of collective security in a system remaining open to the participation of Germany. It adds: 1 “The Governments represented at Stresa are unanimous in one thing at least —namely, that the European situation is grave and that no time should be lost in facing and endeavouring to meet its obvious dangers. This is certainly the „ view of the British Government, especially of the Prime Minister himself, who has of late been most explicit on this • point,'and-it is no small matter that he himself is going to Stresa.” The Prime Minister and Sir John Simon fleiv in a two-engined service aeroplane, from Hendon to Le Bourget this afternoon. There they were joined by Sir Robert Vansittart and other members of the British delegation. Before leaving the Prime Minister said: “We are starting on our mission of national goodwill, co-operation, united' security: and peace. I hope with all my heart that we shall be successful. We shall certainly try to be.”

UNITED BRITISH ACTION A CONFERENCE SUGGESTED LONDON, April 10. In the House of Commons Mr G. Le M. Marnier (Liberal) asked whether, in view of the gravity of the international situation, the Government would eons;d"r the advisability of inviting the leaders of the Opposition parties to confer with the Government to see how far they could secure united support for a foreign policy based on collective action for Hie 1 limitation of arms through the League, of Nations. a : The Dominions. Secretary (Mr J. H. Thomas) replied that the suggestion would be borne in mind. GATHERING AT STRESA ARRIVAL OF DELEGATES STRESA, April 10. Signor Mussolini arrived piloting a three-engined seaplane from Milan. It is understood that while the main conference is proceeding African experts will discuss Abyssinian problems. Signor Mussolini cordially welcomed M. Flandin and M. Laval at the railway station and accompanied them to their hotel. INITIAL INQUIRIES ADAPTATION OF AGREEMENTS ROME, April 11. (Received April 11, at 8.30 p.m.) The Fascist press is unanimous that the Stresa conference will commence by inquiring whether the Rome and London agreements can be adapted to meet the changed situation. The delegates will then be called upon to deal with the problem created by the demands for military parity put forward by Austria, Hungary, arid Bulgaria. MR MACDONALD ARRIVES PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFETY OF VISITORS STRESA, April 11. (Received April 12, at 1.20 a.m.) To the strains of “ God Save the King,” played by a military band, with a guard of honour. Mr MacDonald arrived by train. Signor Mussolini warmly shook hands and spoke in English. The authorities are taking great precautions to ensure the safety of the foreign delegations. When M. Laval went for an early stroll he found him-s-lf surrounded by 20 plain clothes detectives.