“FACED WITH VITAL DECISIONS”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20895, 26 November 1937, Page 9

“FACED WITH VITAL DECISIONS”

ANGLO - FRENCH UNITY VISIT OF MINISTERS TO LONDON INTERESTING REACTIONS IN EUROPE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - -Copyright (Received November 25, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, November 25. "France is not being left out in the cold” is the general attitude of the newspapers to the invitation to French Ministers to visit London. Commentators state that England, faced with vital decisions, cannot face them alone. Political circles recall Mr Neville Chamberlain’s Guildhall speech in which it was suggested that the restoration of confidence and security might be more hopefully pursued by Informal discussions than by public declarations. The expected AngloFrench talks will cover a wider field than Lord Halifax’s talks with Germany. The visit to London of the Prime Minister (M. Chautempts) and the Foreign Minister (M. Delbos) has been fixed for November 29 and 30. A Berlin message states that an official spokesman said that Germany would welcome any steps or meetings of statesmen likely to strengthen the good will of nations. MOST OPPORTUNE INTERNATIONAL APPEASEMENT SOUGHT united Press Association—By tum. Telegraph Copvrlght (Received November 25, 5.5 p.m.) , LONDON, November 25. “The Times,” in a leader, says: “The visit of the French Ministers will allow for the most opportune consultation in the widest terms between the two Governments, which have equal interest in easing the European tension. The conversations in Germany, if all goes well, will engage Paris as well as London and Berlin, in a new search

for appeasement. Nor are they at the least incompatible with conversations in Rome. British policy certainly will not lend itself to the allegation that it Is trying to play off Rome and Berlin against each other, nor that it Is seeking to undermine the BerlinRome axis.”

Reaction in Europe The Paris correspondent of "The Times” says: “There is the utmost satisfaction concerning the invitation of the Ministers to go to London, which is regarded as a striking and practical demonstration of the oftproclahned fact that England and France are resolved to act together in situations affecting both.” The Berlin correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” states that official quarters express the opinion that the London visit of the French Ministers is an entirely normal event. Germany regards the close relations between London and Paris as much of a political reality as the Berlin-Rome axis. It is natural that Mr Chamberlain should wish to inform the French of Lord Halifax's talks.” The diplomatic correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” understands that economic aspects of world problems will be Included in the AngloFrench talks, with special reference to the claims of dissatisfied States to freer access to raw materials, and scope for overseas expansion. Prime Minister’s Statement The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) told the House of Commons that he is satisfied that Lord Halifax’s visit to Germany has been valuable In that it has furthered the desire of both countries for closer mutual understanding. The conversations were confidential and Hie House could pot expect any further statement, but he could say that no pledges had been given. Mr Chamberlain added that France at present was not informed of the details of the conversations, speculations on which were irresponsible and highly inaccurate.

MAY YIELD GOOD RESULTS ITALO-GERMAN IMPRESSIONS United Press Association —By Electric Telegrapb -Copyright (Received November 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. November 25. Admitting that the visit is a manifestation of the London-Paris axis, political circles in Rome consider it may yield good results. The Italians have much confidence In Mr Chamberlain, and hope he may seek to Influence France to a more realistic understanding of Italian and German needs. The statement of the Prime Minister to the House of Commons is given prominence on the front pages of the German press, without comment, but the headlines emphasise that the confidential nature of Lord Halifax’s visit is being preserved.