FOUR POWERS IN CLOSE TOUCH

Southland Times, Issue 23774, 23 March 1939, Page 5

FOUR POWERS IN CLOSE TOUCH

Democracies, Russia

And Poland

TALKS IN BUCHAREST SUGGESTED

DISCUSSIONS ON “MUTUAL DEFENCE”

(United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright)

(Received March 22, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, March 22.

The Times says that Britain has asked France, Poland and Russia to consider the desirability of a joint statement declaring their common view against acts of aggression and expressing a desire not only to continue their consultations now but to consult immediately in the interests of mutual defence if more aggression is believed imminent.

The form of consultation has not yet been decided. Russia has suggested an immediate six-Power conference in Bucharest, which the Tass news agency (Moscow) reports that Britain turned down as premature, but it was indicated to Russia that Britain would consider the proposal carefully. Reuters says the British Cabinet is actively preparing a declaration of British policy which is the subject of diplomatic exchanges among the Governments of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.

The Independent Cable Service says it is understood that the suggested scheme for a common declaration has been whittled down to a four-Power declaration against future aggression. Britain, France and Russia have practically agreed on what constitutes aggression, but Poland—the possible fourth signatory—is demanding guarantees before subscribing. A formula which will be satisfactory to Poland is at present being sought, but the British and the Russians are hesitating to give guarantees. An interview of 40 minutes with the Foreign Secretary (Viscount Halifax) by the Polish Ambassador to London was the chief event of yesterday morning. The four Opposition parties in the Polish Diet have separately requested the President (M. Ignace Moscicki) to form a national union Cabinet, including Opposition representatives. The request was made on the grounds of “the menace to Poland through Germany’s expansion.” A message from Moscow denies officially that Poland and Rumania have asked for Soviet help.