GERMANY MUST KEEP FAITH WITH LOCARNO PACT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17836, 3 May 1926, Page 12

GERMANY MUST KEEP FAITH WITH LOCARNO PACT.

BRITAIN HAS RIGHT TO INSIST ON THIS

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. ** Sydney Sun ” Cable. LONDON, April 30. Sir Austen Chamberlain, in a speech at the Albert Ilall, said that though at present he had not studied the Russo-German Treaty he hoped to find that the German Ministers who had assured Britain they would do nothing inconsistent with the achievements of Locarno had kept their word. Britain, no less than Germany, had need of peace. Britain, whether in Germany’s

case or in the case of others, never sought to stir up trouble. between nations. Britain never jealously viewed or attempted to prevent any possible improvements in other nations’ relations. The fact that Germany had signed a treaty with the Soviet seemed perfectly natural, but Britain had the right to insist that she be loyal to her professed engagements with the partners of Locarno and not incur obligations inconsistent with the fulfilment of the Locarno Covenant. The text of the Russo-German Treaty consists of four Articles. It begins by stating that both countries will do everything towards maintaining peace as they are convinced that the interests of the Russo-German peoples will necessitate intimate co-op-eration. The Articles provide:— (1) The basis of relations between the two Governments remains according to the Treaty of Rapallo, and they will remain in friendly touch in order that each may have an understanding on political and economic questions. (2) Should one of the signatories, despite its peaceful atttitude, be attacked by a third Power or severol Powers, then the other signatory shall remain neutral throughout the entire conflict. (3) If a coalition of three Powers be formed with the object of imposing an economic or financial boycott against one of the signatories, the other will not joint the coalition. (4) Five years before the expiry of the Treat}* both parties will keep each other informed in regard to the further orientation of their political relations.