NATIONAL PROBLEMS

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19554, 17 April 1935, Page 7

NATIONAL PROBLEMS

THE STRESA CONFERENCE. ORGANISATION OF PSACE. GREAT STEP FORWARD. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received April 17, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, April 16. The Times’ Rome correspondent says the results of the Stresa Conference are everywhere regarded as a great step towards the organisation of peace In a system of general security. The Anglo-ltallan declaration especially Is described as of the highest value, testifying that Britain Is determined not to isolate herself from the problems of Europe. There should now, it is deolartd, be no more room for surprises of the kind ’with which Germany recently confronted -Europe. Potential peace-breakers know from to-day that they will he faced by united Powers determined not to tolerate treaty violations calculated to disturb the international equilibrium. Above all, Germany must abandon that “will to power," which pre-sup-poses revenge, especially at a moment so delicate to the whole of Europe.

GERMANY’S FORCES. ■ WILL TOTAL 909,000. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, April 16. The Daily Mail’s , Moscow correspondent states that M. Tukachevsky, A ice-Commissar of Defence, says it is •clear that -Germany has a four-years’ plan to create gigantic forces. Her total forces —Army, Navy and Air Force —this summer will be 909,000. M. Tukachevsky declares that General Goering is planning to increase the Air Force to 16,000 aeroplanes, of which 3700 are available at present, including 2100 bombers and scouters, representing a total of 60,000 men, and that 60,000 more civil pilots are available. There are also 900,000 Storm Troopers, police, and other secret armed forces, ready for mobilisation.

Germany’s possible invading Army to-day is stronger already than France’s peace Army.

SIGNIFICANT DECISION.

TO HONOUR LOCARNO. _ « WARNINU TO GERMANY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, April 16. The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Mail states that the British Foreign Secretary, Sir- John Simon, today reaffirmed Britain’s determination lo honour Locarno. This is regarded as particularly significant at the present juncture. It is considered in some quarters to be a warning to Germany against further violations of the Versailles Treaty. Sir John was not willing to mention a specific situation necessitating intervention, but his declaration is interpretecl as meaning that Britain will not shirk responsibility by a legal quibble. This has given France greater satisfaction than any other event in recent years.

Another message from Geneva says the Indictment of Germany for violating the Versailles Treaty is meeting with unexpected difficulties. Poland and Denmark are the stumbling blocks.

There had been interviews and talks behind the scenes all day. Dr. P. R. Munch, Danish Foreign Minister, explained to Sir John and the French Foreign Minister, M. Laval, that Denmark believed the French resolution would antagonise Germany still further against the League of Nations. The South American delegates are not concerned with Germany’s side of the controversy, hut fear that sanctions similar to those in the draft resolution might he applied to South American disputes. In order to reassure the South Americans M- Laval said he was willing to restrict sanctions to breaches of treaties in Europe. Dr. Tewflk Rushdi, Turkish Foreign Minister, raised further difficulty by advancing a claim that Turkey should have the right to refortify the Dardanelles, if Bulgaria, Austria and Hungary are allowed to increase their armaments.