EUROPEAN ARMAMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18207, 30 September 1933, Page 5

EUROPEAN ARMAMENTS

EFFORTS AT REDUCTION NEW GROUND COVERED FRANCO-GERMAN VIEWS (British Official Wireless.) Ree. noon. RUGBY Sept. 29. The disarmament conversations are continuing in Geneva. ; , There is some doubt as to whether Sir John Simon who is taking a 'prominent parts in them, will be able to return l'or a few days to London as contemplated.

The bureau of the Disarmament Conference is due to inept in 10 days’ time, and earnest efforts are being made to secure some measure of agreement in advance of the meeting. Following conversations \vhieh Wore hold yesterday morning wjth Dalian Ministers, anil later with Air Norman Davis, tin' new German Foreign Minister and the French Foreign Secretaryhave been in conference with the Dalian-delegates, arid importance is'attached by the newspapers to the-meet-ing last night,"between M. Paul Boocoirr and Baron von Neurath." It was staled that Baron von Xeurath was returning to Berlin to consult hjs. Government.

The first direct approach) between Franco and Genhany since the new disarmament plan was mooted- occurred to-day, when M. Boncour and Baron von Neurath met in a Jong conference.

A communique . stated that- - they covered the whole field with their mutual differences. It is learned that M. Boncour outlined the proposals agreed to by Britain, France, America and Italy’.. These dealt with . the virtual stabilisation of armaments for four years, during which time - there will be ■ strict supervision, after which, if the agreement is observed, disarmament will begin. An important point is that, the programme of disarmament to lie carried out after -the trial period shall definitely be fixed now.

M. Boncour explained that the Powers insisted that there shall be no rearmament of Germany during the trial period, but the Powers will begin to abolish certain offensive weapons, notably heavy mobile guns arid heavy tanks.

Baron von Neurath said he, feared the proposals were unacceptable, but he agreed to return to Berlin and consult the Chancellor and bring a definite answer at the earliest moment.

The Sun Service’s special correspondent at-Geneva says Baron von Neurath had a consultation with Herr Hitler, following France’s refusal to concede Germany’s request for a limited quantity of tanks, guns, and war planes. Rearmament really has replaced disarmament as a topic. It is now felt that the Powers will not tolerate further delays. A convention must soon be signed to avoid a complete breakdown.