DRAMATIC MOVE BY BRITAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19673, 15 December 1933, Page 9

DRAMATIC MOVE BY BRITAIN

PLANS TO PROMOTE DISARMAMENT FOREIGN MINISTER TO TOUR EUROPE United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 14, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 13. "The News Chronicle” states that Cabinet has approved of Sir John Simon (Minister of Foreign Affairs) touring the continental capitals during the summer recess, as part of the Government’s dramatic bid to secure a disarmament agreement including Paris, Rome and Berlin, where he will see Herr Hitler, and Baron von Neurath. The paper adds that Cabinet hopes that Sir John Simon will be able to effect a Franco-German rapprochment, at the same time learning more precise details of Signor Mussolini’s plans to reform the League of Nations. Sir John Simon starts on his tour on December 21, going direct to Italy and afterwards to Paris. plan TO PRESERVE EUROPE’S PEACE. INTERNATIONAL POLICE FORCE SUGGESTED. United Press Association—By Electrl; Tel egraph—Copvrtgh t (Received December 14, 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, December 14. In the House of Commons, Mr G. Le M. Mander (Labour), moved in favour of the formation of an international police force, controlled by the League of Nations. He suggested that an international force, armed with all the weapons forbidden to Germany would be a threat to the Versailles Treaty. Brigadier-General Spears (Conservative) who seconded the motion, expressed opinion that this was the only way of achieving security and disarmament. Major Attlee, in voicing Labour's support suggested the example of an Empire policed by an imperial force, might be followed by the whole, world. Captain Eden (Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) replying said the day might come when such a force would become an actuality, but that was unlikely in the near future. The resolution was premature and impracticable, and would only complicate the Government’s task in trying to obtain a world agreement to reduce arms. Mr Mander withdrew the motion.