REAL PROGRESS POSSIBLE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18367, 9 April 1934, Page 7

REAL PROGRESS POSSIBLE

DISARMAMENT EFFORTS FRANCE AND GUARANTEES REPLY TO BRITISH NOTE (British Official Wireless.) Rec. noon. RUGBY, April 9. The French reply to the latest British inquiries on disarmament has been received at the Foreign Office. It is understood that it'is a brief document containing no definite proposals pending fuller consideration by the’. French Government of the question of guarantees. 'lt is stated by Paris press correspondents that the-result of this further examination will form the subject of a later communication. Meanwhile, further and more precise information is sought regarding the,British proposals.' The Times'i Paris correspondent says this'- should die regarded as a sign that the French Government is now prepared to face a momentous decision that, must profoundly influence international relations. The correspondent adds that, viewed in .this light, the reply promises real progress towards the achievement, of a disarmament convention. The French note was subjected to a preliminary 1 examination by Sir John Simon and his advisers at the Foreign Office. ;,'The keynote .of. Ri© French note to BfftainAsG that Mifkirmaliloht talks are (looiiied;aiiiii-Vvill Be replacedl'jy'tlie question of limitation of armaments. It points out that the British plan for a 10-year disarmament convention involving German equality is “hopelessly out of date’’ in view of Germany's swollen military estimates and possible intention further to re-arm. M. Barthou assured Mr. Henderson that France would support a proposal to convene the Disarmament Commission on April 23. Air. Henderson, interviewed, said he was certain that a meeting would result in a convention, though probably some nations would not sign.