PROPOSED PACT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20774, 6 April 1939, Page 8

PROPOSED PACT

BRITAIN AND POLAND RECIPROCAL GUARANTEES OPPOSITION TO RUSSIA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON. April 5 The greatest official reticence is being observed regarding the progress stood the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel Beck, made it clear that he is ready to conclude a pact for reciprocal guarantees on certain conditions, and is also ready for close co-opera-tion with Rumania in strengthening the peace front. Colonel Beck urged the advisability of persisting with efforts to include Hungary in the line-up, although he admitted it would be most difficult for Hungary to resist German pressure. Colonel Beck is also stated to have argued against the inclusion of Russia in any alliance. He suggested that Danzig should be removed from League control and placed under a commission of three—one Polish representative and one German, plus a neutral, preferably a Dane. Will Not Enter General Alliance Poland is not willing to enter a general alliance for collective security, which is made clear in the Warsaw paper Dobrv Wieczor, which was quoted from all Polish radio stations last night as representing the official viewpoint: “Poland's traditional policy is the preservation of the balance of power. It is Germany's fault, not Poland's, that this balance is disturbed. Poland now wishes to restore it, but wants only bilateral treaties, and Britain now realises this desire. Britain also understands Poland's objections to cooperation with Russia against Germany or with Germany against Russia.”

While the Poles fear that a PoloRussian alliance would exacerbate German hostility, it is reported that Colonel Beck raised the point that a bilateral Anglo-Russian treaty would secure all the advantages of a grand alliance while avoiding its disadvantages. It is understood that a reciprocal defence agreement and a British credit to Poland were discussed during the conversations, says the Australian Associated Press. Meeting With Mr Chamberlain Colonel Beck also met the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, at 5 p.m. The talks will be resumed to-morrow. Lord and Lady Halifax entertained Colonel Beck to luncheon. The guests included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Mr and Mrs Winston Churchill and Mr and Mrs Anthony Eden.