FRANCE AND ITALY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 83, 2 January 1935, Page 9

FRANCE AND ITALY

Negotiations For Pact in South Europe

BRITAIN CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS

Efforts in Interests of / Peace

(British Official Wireless.) ' (Received January 1, 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, December 31. Although newspapers report that certain last minute difficulties have been encountered in the negotiations designed to achieve a settlement of FrancoItalian issues and produce a diplomatic instrument by which the independence of Austria and the preservation of peace in south central Europe would be assured, it is confidently believed in London that these outstanding points will successfully be resolved. The major issues are so important, that in the best informed circles it is regarded as inconceivable, that a breakdown should occur on what are believed to be matters bf comparatively minor importance. The aim of the negotiations, broadly stated, is to produce a pact whereby Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, as Austria’s neighbours, should guarantee her political independence and territorial integrity and each other’s frontiers against violation, further weight being given these undertakings by France and Rumania, who, without assuming in the first instance responsibility such as would be undertaken by the five other guarantors, would, however, give their support. For a considerable time past British policy has been directed at promoting an improvement of Franco-Italian relations and other measures designed to improve the European atmosphere. Active interest has been taken in the present negotiations 'and practical suggestions, designed to facilitate their progress, were made in the course of the recent conversations at Paris between Sir John Simon, British Foreign Secretary, M. Flandin, Premier of France, and M. Laval, French Foreign Minister. Close touch is meanwhile being maintained with Rome through the British Ambassador there.

Referring to the question of possible German and Hungarian adherence to the pact, the diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph says: While the other States are determined to proceed with their plan, irrespective of German co-operation, all are agreed that confidence cannot be established if Germany elects to hold aloof. The British Government holds this view very strongly. It will use all its influence to secure German adherence. Having for so long striven by diplomatic action to assist in European pacification along these lines, Britain will not allow the present plan to fail for lack of positive British assistance.

The “Daily Telegraph” correspondent recalls tie Anglo-Italian initiative which led to the conclusion of the Four Power Pact between Britain, France, Italy and Germany, in July, 1933, as an Instance of an earlier effort made by Britain to create a “regime of security” with which Germany was to realise her “equality of rights” in the matter of armaments.

The “Daily Telegraph” also mentions the efforts that Britain made last April when, having modified the draft Disarmament Convention to meet German wishes, she endeavoured to secure French, acceptance by offers of an extended security guarantee. France, under M. Barthou, prepared to reject both. The position, adds the newspaper, has lately been reviewed afresh by the British Government, ‘ though its action must largely be determined by the course of events. NEWSPAPER REPORT 4 Major Issues Stated to be Settled London, December 30. The “Observer’s” diplomatic correspondent, in an important exclusive article, states that although the news cannot be given full official authority, it became known last night that an agreement was reached at Rome between Signor Mussolini and the French Ambassador, which constituted by far the most important achievement of European diplomacy for two years. It is likely to make a profound difference to the prospect of settled peace in Europe. It is understood that the actual agreement was not signed last night, because some points of colonial interest are unsettled, but the major issue of safeguarding Austria’s independence by means of an international guarantee has been resolved in the form of a categoric written agreement of which the text is being issued in a few days. DATE NOT YET FIXED M. Laval’s Visit to Rome Paris, December 30. M. Laval is unable yet to decide on the date of his Rome visit owing to the fact that Italy and Yugoslavia have not replied to France's latest questions. This will probably necessitate a postponement of the visit until the Saar question is settled. ■ M. Flandin has been invited to visit London at the New Year to discuss political and economic questions. No- date has been fixed. He will probably accept the invitation with M. Laval after the completion of the mission to Rome.