SIGNS OF LESS INDIFFERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 23074, 16 December 1936, Page 5

SIGNS OF LESS INDIFFERENCE

Mr Eden’s Speech Approved MORE ACTIVE PART FOR BRITAIN WARNING TO FASCIST POWERS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 10.10 p.m.) London. December 15. The diplomatic correspondent of The Manchester Guardian says that the speech made by the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) at Bradford is an advance on any of his previous speeches on foreign affairs because it expresses a stronger British resolve to participate actively in European affairs, not only west but also east of the Rhine. The speech is also a reaction to the growing warlike conflicts on the Continent.

It is believed in London that the time is coming when unilateral denunciation of treaties must cease. There are certain developments on the Continent, it is held, that cannot be permitted to continue unimpeded, nor can Britain afford to look indifferently on warlike conflicts abroad, even if they do not directly menace vital British interests

It is emphasized that the Spanish war has been localized only with difficulty; there is still no absolute certainty that it will not spread, nor is it certain that it will not touch vital British interests. When Mi' Eden, therefore, refers to the deep British interest in maintaining ’he integrity of Spain and Spanish possessions he utters a warning which Berlin, Rome and Burgos (the Spanish rebel headquarters) can ill afford to ignore The speech clearly holds out the prospect of a British foreign policy that will grow more active and more resolute as the means of lending it strength and persuasive power also increase. RUMOURS OF GERMAN MILITARY MOVES “RETURN TO IMPERIAL TRADITIONS” (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 1.50 a.m.) Paris, December 15. The Press gives prominence to Mr Eden’s speech. The Right Wing newspaper Le Jour declares: “England is no longer remaining shut up in the glasshouse of the West, but is returning to the great Imperial traditions of the Victorian age. Disquieting rumours of German troop movements on the Czechoslovakian frontier influenced Mr Eden, who will not tolerate a threat to Britain’s legitimate interests in Spain.”