CAUSE OF PEACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20335, 6 February 1936, Page 9

CAUSE OF PEACE

SEQUEL TO RECENT CONVERSATIONS COLLECTIVE SECURITY STRENGTHENED Doited Press, Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 6, 1.50 a.m.) PARIS, February 5. Official circles consider that European collective security has been strengthened, as a result of the conversations with Kings and Statesmen, who “took the opportunity of paying their respects to the French' Government” on their way back from King George’s funeral. The talks came to a climax with a meeting between M. Flandin and Prince Starhemberg, who is reported to have given assurances that Austria is ready to sign an agreement with the Little Entente, stipulating that no attempt will be made to restore the Hapsburgs without the good will of Austria’s neighbours. Attitude of Hapsburgs. M. Flandin was thus able, In a subsequent conversation with Prince Paul, to allay the Jugo-Slavian suspicions of a coup by Hapsburgs, which Prince Paul reiterated was not acceptable to his countrymen. A member of Archduke Otto’s household stated that the Archduke would only return to Austria when freely invited, and then only with the full approval of the Great Powers. He would do nothing to interfere with Austria’s future prosperity. Peace in Balkans. The peace discussions on a Balkan Pact were not so successful. Prince Starhemberg indicated that Austria was still attached to the value of Italian support, though they hoped to count on the Little Entente in a real emergency. King Boris plainly told M. Flandin that Bulgaria was unable to join a Balkan Pact at the cost of abandoning territorial claims in Jugo-Slavia. King Boris, however, emphatically supported the principle of collective security within the framework of the League of Nations. Rumania Supports League. Rumania was equally anxious that the Powers’ obligations under Article 16 of the League Covenant should be precisely understood and respected. King Carol told the newspapers that he was certain his visit had resulted in a stronger Franco-Rumanian friendship. “The conversations between King Boris, Prince Paul and myself have helped the good relations of the Balkan Powers," said King Carol. “I feel that King Edward’s wide experience will help the cause of peace in Europe.”