THE LONDON TALKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23364, 2 December 1937, Page 11

THE LONDON TALKS

BRITAIN AND FRANCE ALL SUBJECTS TOUCHED COMPLETE SOLIDARITY (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Nov. 30. M. Chautemps, at the close of yesterday’s Anglo-French talks, said the conversations touched all subjects. It was not a tour of the horizon, but a real tour of the world they had accomplished. “Un all subjects we were in complete agreement with our British colleagues,” he said. “It has been a great pleasure—though we were certain of it beforehand —to have noted the complete solidarity of the two Governments, and we are more and more convinced that this solidarity is an essential factor of world peace and of our own security. The conference will prove the perfect harmony and agreement of our viewpoints.” After to-day’s talks M. Chautemps and M. Delbos were the guest of their Majesties at luncheon at Buckingham Palace. M. Chautemps and M. Delbos were farewelled at Victoria Station later by Mr Chamberlain and Mr Eden. The results of the conversations have been immediately communicated to the dominions.

In British circles emphasis is laid on the perfect harmony between the views of the two Governments, which was manifested throughout the proceedings, and this again received striking corroboration from M. Chautemps when he saw French journalists. He refused to answer questions as he said: “Mr Chamberlain’s replies in the House of Commons would be mine.” THE COLONIAL QUESTION PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION LONDON, Nov. 30. An Anglo-French communciation says; A preliminary examination was made of all aspects of the colonial question. It was recognised that it was not a question that could be considered in isolation and would involve a number of other countries. It was agreed that the subject required much more extended study. Lord Halifax’s visit being private and unofficial, it was not expected to lead to immediate results. It had helped to remove causes of international misunderstanding and the visit was well calculated to improve the atmosphere. The Daily Herald’s diplomatic correspondent affirms that both Britain and France have agreed that Germany’s colonial claims must be considered as an immediate political issue. The general idea is for M. Delbos ,to learn what concessions the statesmen in Central Europe are prepared to make, if any, to satisfy Herr Hitler’s demands. After that there will be a pooling of ideas in London and Paris before an approach to Italy and Germany to ascertain what contributions they are prepared to make towards world peace. M. Chautemps told the press that he had nothing to add to the communique, which was broad and substantial. “We are in total and perfect agreement, and are taking back most pleasant remembrances of the visit, which was rendered even more cordial by the reception accorded to us by the King.” THE ULTIMATE OBJECT A GENERAL SETTLEMENT LONDON, Nov. 30. The conversations dealt with the problems of Europe as a whole. On this important subject Ministers found fresh evidence of community attitude and outlook. Regarding the Spanish conflict it was resolved to continue and pursue the efforts of the two Governments in the direction of non-intervention in order to give full effect to this policy. The English and French Ministers examined the Far Eastern situation, the gravity of which they fully recognise. They agreed in their readiness to co-operate with other Powers similarly placed to protect their rights and interests and to meet the obligations arising from international treaties. In considering other aspects of international affairs England and France, while in nowise departing from their previously expressed conception of international collaboration, reaffirmed their desire to cooperate with all countries in the common task of promoting international appeasement by the method of free and peaceful negotiation. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain, after reading the communication, said in reply to Mr Attlee that the Government’s ultimate object was a general settlement, but this could not be achieved by conversations between two or three countries. “We must ultimately contemplate other countries being brought into the conversations,” he said, “ but I do not think they got as far as the advisability of immediate extension, though that perhaps will come later.” CONVERSATIONS JUSTIFIED REASSURANCES OF HARMONY LONDON, Nov. 30. The Times, in a leader, says the fact that the British Empire will be called upon to take an appropriate share of colonial settlement is always clear, but there is no ground for the cynical suggestion that British opinion envisages a solution at someone else’s expense. Other Powers with interests in mandated territories must also be brought in. The discussion on the colonial question is one of several which must be disposed of by the method of give and take if anpeasement is to be reached. The London conversations rightly brought disarmament into the reckoning. The mistake of the past has been to attempt disarmament without conciliation. The scope and tone of the talks are full of oromise.

The Daily Telegraph, in a leader states: The reassurances of AngloFrench harmony would alone justify the London conversations. It is not a secret that the extent of Germany’s colonial demand much surpassed expectations and nobody should be surprised that only preliminaries were at present found possible. Some time must elapse before further aooroaches are made. Meanwhile we must formulate our orcposals. Nothing yet has happened to suggest that a satisfactory settlement is not reachable. The News Chronicle, in a leader,

suggests that Britain and France are determined to pursue a policy of “ iron-handed concession,” which is the only right one to adopt. They have shown goodwill. If Germany and Italy reciprocate Europe’s crises may slowly mend. The Australian Associated Press understands that Whitehall considers that the chief value of the British and French talks is that they have indicated to the world that there is no imminent danger of war, and are a thorough antidote to what has become known as international “ jitters.”

The two Western democracies have shown that they want peace, and are prepared to make every contribution towards peace. They will be conciliatory, but firm. Full agreement on the line of policy was reached on all questions, including, in addition to those stated in the official communique, relations with Italy, the position in the Balkans, the 'North American problem, and Russia. FURTHER TALKS VISUALISED LONDON. Dec. 1. (Received Dec. 1, at 5.5 p.m.) The Daily Herald, in a leader on the Anglo-French conversations, says;—“ Those who feared that Britain might arrange a deal with Herr Hitler at the expense of France can sigh with relief and cease to worry.” The Daily Herald’s diplomatic correspondent says: “The AngloFrench experts will begin immediately to examine Germany’s colonial claims and seek a solution which can b submitted to Herr Hitler, and later probably to some form of international colonial conference.” The Daily Mail’s diplomatic correspondent understands that Mr Chamberlain visualies further talks leading to a pact between Britain, France, Germany and Italy, an essential feature of which would be an all-round arms agreement, but there will be no direct approach to Germany until the Anglo-French exchanges reach a more definite stage. Meanwhile contact is being established with Italy with a view to negotiations for a new Mediterranean understanding. It is understood that Herr Hitler sought the return of Togoland and the French Cameroons, and the creation of a new mandatory territory in Belgian Congo and Angola, over which Germany would have a mandate on the condition that a chartered company was created, in which the interests of Germany, Belgium, and Portugal would be recognised, but Germany would have the majority of the shares.