NO MORE WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 137, 7 December 1938, Page 13

NO MORE WAR

SIGNED IN PARIS

SILENT CROWDS

(By Telegaaph—Press Association —copyright.V (Received December 7, 10.40 a.m.) PARIS, December 6. The German Foreign Minister, Herr Ribbentrop, and the French Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, signed the No War Pact, which reads asj follows; —•

"The French and German Governments are convinced that friendly and good-neighbourly relations is one of the most essential elements for the consolidation of good relations in Europe and the maintenance of peace, and will do all in their power to safeguard such mutual relations. Both countries state that there will be no more questions of a territorial kind

between the countries, and they solemnly recognise the present FrancoGerman frontier. Both are resolved, without prejudice to their relations with third Powers, tor remain in touch regarding all mutual problems, and to negotiate if problem* lead to international difficulties." "BON VOISIJfiAGE." In a statement Herr Ribbentrop ! said.---'France and Germany, taking iinto account the solid bm:s constituted by the friendship whirJi ohids them to other States, 'vt*?* agreed lo end secular frontier conflicis .and by reci-, procally «)cognising each other's territory to facilitate the reed to mutual recognition and consideration of their vital national interests. As partners with equal rights, Franco and , Germany declare themselves, after serious differences, ready to establish relations of 'bon voisinage' for the future. With this declaration of good will we express our conviction that no , opposition exists of a vital nature to justify serious conflict in economic interests. "I am convinced that, ttqs declaration will serve to set aside historic prejudices and that the detente in neighbourly relations expressed by the declaration will find unanimous approbation not only among the leaders but also among the people. I hope the declaration will open a new era in the relations between our peoples." MOST IMPORTANT STAGE. M. Bonnet made the following statement:—"The efforts of the French Government have always been sincerely inspired with the aim of maintaining and organising peace. The arrangement of relations between France and Germany and the expression of their common desire to dSevelop peaceful relations constitute the essential elements of this undertaking. That is why I am very glad at the signature of the _ declaration, which, by solemnly recognising the existing frontiers, ends a long and historic debate and opens the way to collaboration which must be facilitated by the conviction that there is no difference of a nature such as to question the peaceful basis of their relations. "The declaration marks the most important stage in the work of co-opera-tion and reconciliation in which France ardently hopes to see all people associated." SILENT CROWDS. Silent crowds lined the streets, which were not decorated with flags. Herr Ribbentrop drove, heavily guarded, to his hotel. "I have come ror peace between France and Germany," declared Herr Ribbentrop upon his arrival. He was greeted by M. Bonnet. Thousands of mobile guards cordoned the station.

He lunched with the Premier, M. Daladier, and the Pact was signed at 3.30 p.m.

Extraordinary police precautions were taken in Paris to ensure the safety of Herr Ribbentrop when he arrived. The whole police force was mobilised this morning, and similar precautions will be taken tomorrow and on Thursday. The entire programme of the visit is being kept secret.