MISSIONS TO MOSCOW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1939, Page 7

MISSIONS TO MOSCOW

IN RESPONSE TO SOVIET PROPOSAL ANNOUNCEMENT BY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER. DISCUSSIONS TO CONTINUE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) RUGBY, July 31. The early dispute? of a military mission to Moscow was announced in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister (Mr N. Chamberlain), who, in reply to a question, said: “The Soviet has proposed that at the present stale of negotiations it would be an advantage to begin military conversations forthwith. His Majesty’s Government and the French Government have concurred, and arrangements are being made to send British and French military representatives to Moscow as soon as possible.

“It is proposed that, concurrently with the military conversations, the political discussions should continue, with a view to reaching a final conclusion on terms of political agreement. The British delegation will be headed by Admiral the Hon. Sir Reginald Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax and will include Air Marshal Sir Charles Burnett and Major-General Heywood.” The mission, Mr Chamberlain said, would possibly start this week. SOVIET SUSPICIONS DIRECTING THE WAR MENACE. (Independent Cable Service.) (Received This Day. 9.20 a.m.) MOSCOW, July 31. The “Pravda,” commenting on the Moscow talks, reveals lingering suspicions regarding Anglo-French intentions, saying: “Several bourgeois countries want to divert the war menace from themselves and direct it towards the Soviet Union.” OPTIMISM IN FRANCE PARIS, July 31. “Le Figaro” says that well-informed circles in London are hopeful that the Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax, will be able on August 3 to announce the conclusion of the Anglo-Soviet accord.