MOLOTOV'S EFFORTS

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22730, 4 October 1945, Page 5

MOLOTOV'S EFFORTS

VERSION FROM MOSCOW PROPOSALS REJECTED SEPARATE AGREEMENTS (By Tel.—Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 3 The Moscow radio claimed that M. Molotov made a last-minute effort to keep the London conference in session, but the British and American delegates turned down his proposals, says the Associated Press. The radio, quoting the Tass agency from London, reported that M. Molotov disagreed strongly with Mr Bevin and Mr Byrnes about the procedure for the Balkans treaties, but that he had noted that the conference agreed on other points. M. Molotov therefore made the following proposals:— (1) That all five Powers should sign the protocols for the work of the reparations commission in Germany, on Austria and “on other questions.” (2) That the four Powers, excluding China, should sign on points agreed on for a treaty with Italy. (3) That Russia, Britain and America should sign agreements relating to treaties with Rumania, Bulgaria and Hungary. (4) That Britain and Russia should sign agreements relating to Finland. Would Have Shown Agreement “The acceptance of such proposals,” stated the radio, “would have shown exactly on what questions agreement had been reached and would have created a friendly atmosphere for further review. The other Ministers did not agree.” The radio added that it must be borne in mind that on some questions there were serious differences of opinion. “For example,” it stated, “Mr Bevin and Mr Byrnes insisted that France and China, which did not even declare war against Bulgaria, Rumania and Hungary, should be included in the preparation of peace treaties with those countries in direct contradiction of the decisions of the Potsdam Conference, which determined that the drafting of treaties should be incumbent on the countries which signed the armistice terms. The Russian delegation, therefore, did not agree to accept this or similar proposals. “Notwithstanding this, the Russian delegation endeavoured that the first session of the Council should not end without result, but should further the decisions of Potsdam. Therefore the Russian delegation yesterday brought up the proposals which aimed at a friendly settlement of differences of opinion.”

AMERICA AS HOME UNITED NATIONS DECISION LONDON, Oct. 3 The Preparatory Commission of the United Nations Organisation approved a proposal that the permanent headquarters of the organisation should be in the United States. The voting was 9—3, the United States and Canada abstaining. A proposal that the headquarters be in Europe was defeated by 7 votes to 3, four nations abstaining. capable of promoting solutions for the establishment of a just peace,” M. Bidault said. “Finally, if the conference adjourned without reaching the decisions which the world expected of it, it was for other reasons than the difficulties which arose over the problems on the agenda.” Addressing a Press conference M. Bidault said he was convinced the postponement of the work of the council did not mean failure. “I am confident satisfactory conclusions will be reached, avoiding delays in the final settlement of peace,” he said. He added that France firmly believed she should participate in all international peace settlements and that it was not possible to exclude any interested powers.

Mr Ernest Bevin is giving careful consideration to the situation which has arisen, says the Press Association. He will report fully to Parliament.