MORE OPTIMISM IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 9

MORE OPTIMISM IN LONDON

Improvement In World

Situation

HOPES OF FUTURE PEACE Possibility Of Measure Of Arms Limitation (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 10. The prospect of an early encl to the hostilities in Spain and the likelihood that as far as can be seen at present the difficulties between Italv and France will not present insuperable obstacles to a peaceful settlement have encouraged a more optimistic feeling in authoritative circles here regarding the international outlook. There is no inclination to minimize unduly the difficulties and dangers that remain, but the situation causes less anxiety than of late.

If a wider measure of pacification in Europe could be secured, it is felt that the way may be paved for effecting a halt in the armaments race, the urgent need for which, as recent speeches have indicated, is constantly in the minds of British Ministers. Trade Revival. It is felt that, if in the course of the present year there could be achieved some agreement about disarmament or arms limitation —even if it should at the first view be a very limited agreement —this would do much toward restoring confidence in Europe and inducing a more settled atmosphere which would be favourable to a revival of international trade. It is recognized that the state, of relations between Britain and Germany has an important bearing upon this, and in this regard there is an inclination to pay more attention to the friendly exchanges which have recently taken place, including the meeting in London between Mr. Chamberlain and Dr. Ley, Leader of the Nazi Labour Front, than to bellicose Press comment. In this connexion importance is attached to the approaching visit to Germany by Mr. Stanley and Mr. Hudson. •‘The Times” remarks that if by trade arrangements and reciprocation in other ways Anglo-German relations can be steadily improved the possibility of some agreement on arms limitation would be brought nearer.