THE BELGIAN MOVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23015, 19 October 1936, Page 9

THE BELGIAN MOVE

POLICY OF NEUTRALITY BRITISH PRESS COMMENT (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegiaph—Copyright) RUGBY, Oct. 16. The Daily Telegraph, referring to King Leopold’s speech, says: “ Whatever her desires may be, Belgium can never rest her security wholly upon her own strength. Her friends will have no cause for reproach if the purpose of the King is simply to rally all parties in Belgium to the need for greater sacrifice to avert the possibility of encroachment upon the integrity of Belgium. ■ The Morning Post says: “Most people will agree that in the new situation Belgium has consulted her own best interests by taking this line, for she is a small Power, and has ho direct concern in the rivalries and antipathies of the great Powers. From the point of view of France in particular Belgium will be no less i useful in guarding her flank as a neutral than assisting her as an ally, provided always that Belgium is strong enough to preserve her neutrality.” The News Chronicle questions the practicability of A policy which envisages Belgium being entirely neutral. The only hope of real peace for a country like Belgium, above all others, lies in the firm establishment of a system of collective security. The Manchester Guardian says that the proposed Belgian neutrality will not necessarily prevent a new western pact, for the other four Powers might agree to guarantee ner neutrality without asking for reciprocal guarantees, as was the case before 1914. It would, however, prevent the suggested pact between , France, Britain and Belgium from . coming into force if negotiations ' ■ fail. ; " -h .

As the result of an interview between Mr. Eden and the Belgian Ambassador it is now appreciated in official circles in London that King Leopold’s' speech is to be regarded as an indication of the policy Belgium is likely to follow in the FiveBower . discussions, and that the interpretations current in some quarters to the effect that Belgium intended to repudiate her obligations, particularly those arising out of the League Covenant, were based on a misapprehension. --V ' ‘ • ■•••■' :• FRENCH NOTE TO BELGIUM ...... • . . , ■ ■ - ■ vi LONDON, Oct. 16 Following M. Delbos’ lengthy conference with high officials, France to-day is sending a Note to Belgium seeking information on what value Belgium attaches to the Locarno Pact, what are Belgium’s views regarding the proposed Locarno talks, what is Belgium’s position under the League Covenant, and what is the future of the Franco-Belgium military agreement, including staff arrangements.- ; ‘ • 1 ;, ~ ( ' The Paris correspondent of The Times says expert opinion is disturbed regarding the possible military consequences of the Belgian move...Jt.is.lelt that serious dangers may develop for Britain and France, especially aerially, owing to the possible loss of. protection from the Belgian system of watchers for hostile aircraft, as only 40 minutes’ warning can be expected in Paris and London before fast enemy bombers arrive; also the possible loss of the right to fly over Belgium and the use of Belgian aerodromes, while Gerhiany could ,use bases in the North Sea to operate against Britain and France. This situation would be especially serious, as Belgium, intent on neutrality, might refuse to make a German flying over her territory a causus belli. COMMENT IN THE OBSERVER LONDON, Oct. 17. - (Received Oct. 18, at 10 p.m.) Repercussions to the Belgian action are V widely discussed. It is reported that France has decided to extend the Maginot line along the Belgian frontier to the North Sea. The Observer t says it is believed that Germany is accelerating her aerial expansion' with a first line strength of 220 planes, aiming at parity with Russia, and necessitating Britain considerably increasing her programme in order to fulfil parity with her strongest neighbour.