POLICY OF NEUTRALITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23013, 16 October 1936, Page 9

POLICY OF NEUTRALITY

PLEA BY KING LEOPOLD BELGIAN CABINET MEETING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) -BRUSSELS, Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 9 p.m.) A strong plea for Belgium to revert to her pre-war policy of neu-» trality was made by King Leopold, who presided at a Cabinet meeting for the first time since his accession. " This policy must aim at resolutely placing us outside conflicts with our neighbours." He urged reinforcement of the army sufficient to keep war from the territory Reoccupation of the Rhineland was upsetting the Locarno agreement and placed Belgium in almost the same international position as before the war. As "our military organisation can no Jonger meet the possibilities of rapid invasion, the position compels Belgium to maintain a military machine and dissuade neighbours from using her territory to attack another State. Those who doubt such a policy should consider the proud example of Holland and Switzerland." King Leopold's speech contained important implications, including its bearing on the Locarno.Treaty. OFFICIAL FRENCH VIEW » LONDON, Oct. 15. (Received Oct. 16, at 1 a.m.) The official French view is that Belgium is not entitled to repudiate hei Locarno commitments, under which she is pledged to join in the defence of the French frontier. Moreover, if Belgium withdrew from the League in strict accord with her new neutrality policy, her Locarno and Covenant obligations would still be binding for two years. It is certain that the French Government will immediately consult the British Government because Belgium's policy, as outlined by King Leopold, has created a new strategic position in Western Europe and must undoubtedly affect any security pact which may be reached. King Leopold's speech caused consternation in Paris, where it is interpreted to mean that Belgium desires to remain neutral in the event of another European war. This, is regarded a§ a blow to France, say& the News Chronicle's Paris correspondent, though it is not yet clear how this so-called neutrality can b» reconciled with Belgium's League Covenant obligations. The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent says M. Spaat, the Belgian Foreign Minister, recently informed M. Blum, and Mr Eden that in the event of a new Locarno Conference Belgium would be willing to accept British, French and German guarantees, but would not herself enter into any guarantees, meaning that if France was attacked and Belgian territory was spared, Belgium would not join England and France in the defence of the French frontier.