PEACE PLAN

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 75, 22 March 1933, Page 2

PEACE PLAN

Mussolini’s New Project — CRITICISED IN FRANCE CONFLICTS WITH LEAGUE By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn. PARIS, Last Night. The newspapers are critical of Signor Mussolini’s peace project on the ground that it conflicts with the League of Nations, and would concentrate power in the hands of four nations —Britain, France, Germany and Italy—to the detriment of smaller countries. Commentators detect an Italian desire for an understanding with France owing to disappointment over the developments of Hitlerism and a recognition that. Italy has nothing to gain from a revival of the German military menace. ‘ ‘Le Temps’’ asks: “Can Franco deliberately ignore her alliances with Poland and the Little Entente to rely upon the sole decision of the four principal Powers for the reconstruction of Europe? The idea arouses fear. France, who built her alliances at great cost, is not prepared to abandon them at such a critical time.’ The latest reports from Paris indicates a change in the attitude which it has been hitherto assumed France will take as regards the new peace plan. It is stated that M. Daladier and M. Paul-Boncour will assure Mr MacDonald and Sir John Simon of their warm support. It is learned that they consider the Romo movement as of the utmost importance, believing the reaffirmation of a ban on the use of force will produce the happiest psychological effect at present ,and make n, big contribution toward the re-estab-lishment. of confidence.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” French correspondent, claiming to give an accurate, summary of Signor Mussolini’s draft, says it provides that it shall be effective for ten years and continue automatically for another ten years unless revision is sought. Tn the second place .France, Britain, Germany, and Italy declare that the time has come to carry into practice the principle already recognised of the full and equal rights of Germany. The correspondent adds that. It is probable France will approve of the aims of Signor Mussolini and Mr MacDonald but reserve the right to suggest. amendments making the draft acceptable to her allies and in harmony with her views on disarmament. “NOT AN IMPOSED PEACE” ROME, March 20. Mr Ramsay MacDonald denied reports purporting to give the contents of a. pact, saying: “There is no pact. The whole idea is to open up the possibilty of a complete agreement of all the nations concerned, not merely two or three Powers. I am firmly convinced after the conversations at Geneva and Rome that the views of the various statesmen can be co-ordi-nated in a general agreement. “We are out. for an agreed and not an imposed peace. An agreement with* France <arid Germany is essential. If we leave out any Power we are beaten. America will certainly bo informed.” Signor Mussolini farcwellcd Mr MacDonald and Miss Tshbel at the station with a Fascist salute.

U.S.A.’S PASSIVE ATTITUDE

NEW YORK, March 20. The “New York Times” Washington correspondent says that the Administration’s peace policy according to informed observers, features the maintenance of a passive attitude toward the British disarmament plan and Signor Mussolini’s suggestion of a FourPower pact while Mr Norman H. Davis holds conference at London and perhaps other capitals, meanwhile hoping that the Far Eastern situation will take a peaceful turn. It is felt that some definite reaction to Mr MacDonald’s disarmament plan and Signor Mussolini’s peace plan must come from Europe before it will bo proper for the Administration to express its views. There is also a strong belief that without Japanese co-opera-tion general disarmament is impossible. Earlier opinions that strong League of Nations action against Japan would result in the approach of her armies dangerously close to British, and French interests in North China are now held to be confirmed. .Definite indications from Japan that no operations south of the Great Wall are contemplated are expected within a few weeks, with overtures toward the settlement of her difficulties with China. Should this eventuate it is believed that there will be good probability of

the ground being laid for a world cooperation that could find expression in some tangible worthwhile accomplishments at Geneva. At that time, it is confidently expected, the Administration will contribute definite views toward a disarmament programme. Arrangements were made to-day for Mr Norman H. Davis, special ambassador on disarmament and world economics to sail on Thursday from New York for London, where he will see the leading British officials before going to Geneva.