TEST OF GOOD FAITH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21377, 21 June 1939, Page 7

TEST OF GOOD FAITH

British Proposals to Soviet “New Instructions for Ambassador ” Effect of Far East Situation United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright (Received June 20. 6.39 pm.) LONDON, June 20. The ‘ Daily Telegraph" says that the Government has issued fresh instructions to Sir William Seeds ’ British Ambassador to the Soviet), including a wider latitude with the object of speeding up negotiations, especially in view of the Far East situation. The new instructions are regarded as a test of the Soviet's good faith. A British Official Wireless message states that Anglo-Soviet discussions at Moscow are still proceeding according to a statement by the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) in the House of Commons. Last Thursday afternoon the French and British Ambassadors accompanied by Mr William Strang [ (head of the Central Department of the Foreign Office) were received by IM. Molotov, to whom Sir William Seeds had explained the latest AngloFrench proposals. A further meeting had taken place on Friday when M. Molotov communicated to the French and British representatives of the Soviet Governments observations on these proposals. Mr Chamberlain indicated in a supplementary answer that the outstanding differences were not confined to the question of the position of the Baltic States. He tas also asked if the instructions to Sir William Seeds were wide enough to obviate their reference back to London and replied: “I think that must be determined by how the discussions proceed. It may be that further fresh points may he raised requiring reference back, but I am not aware of any.’’