BRITAIN CONFERS WITH RUSSIA

Southland Times, Issue 23794, 17 April 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN CONFERS WITH RUSSIA

Possible Help From Soviet Air Force

POSITION OF RUMANIA AND POLAND

(Received April 16, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 15.

It is authoritatively stated that as a preliminary to bringing the Soviet into the anti-aggression pact, France and Britain are seeking a Polish and Rumanian agreement to accept the assistance of the Soviet air force in the event of aggression, says the British United Press. Conversations on this matter and on general Soviet military collaboration are progressing satisfactorily. " The Soviet Press publishes Mr Chamberlain’s announcement of the British guarantees to Greece and Rumania without comment. An official spokesman, however, indicated that there was less scepticism in Russia about the efficacy of British policy. A British Official Wireless message says that added significance is given to an. interview yesterday between the Soviet Ambassador to London (M. Ivan Maisky) and the Foreign Secretary (Viscount Halifax) in view of ministerial statements in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday of the importance which the Government attaches to the part this might play in the new policy towards European peace. Arrangements have been made for the British Ambassador to Moscow (Sir William Seeds) to see the Soviet Foreign Minister (M. Maxim Litvinov) tomorrow, and it is expected that the possibilities of associating the Soviet Government in the system of pacts against aggression, in which London and Paris have taken the initiative, will be discussed.

While the conversations between Lord Halifax and M. Maisky were proceeding in London, the French Foreign Minister (M. Georges Bonnet) was in consultation with the Russian envoy in Paris.

Consultations on the ' new security system are being continued between Britain and Turkey. Account is being taken not only of Britain’s concern in Turkey’s independence but also of Turkey’s own weighty influence in the cause of peace throughout the Balkans. In view of Britain’s pledge to Rumania,' importance is attached by the Press to the movements of the Rumanian Foreign Minister (Dr Grigore Gafencu), who will visit Brussels on April 21, immediately after his visit to Berlin. It has been indicated to him that he will be very welcome in London if he wishes to come when he leaves Belgium. No formal invitation has been sent, but there is much to discuss about the British assurance and his visit would be an excellent opportunity.