SMALLER STATES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19988, 13 July 1939, Page 14

SMALLER STATES

QUESTION OF AGGRESSION SOVIET DEFINITION LONDON, July 6. “Difficulties with Russia began when the •negotiators began to list tne States to be defended’ against aggression,” says the diplomatic correspondent of The Times. “The Soviet agreed to the inclusion of Belgium, Rumania, Poland, Greece and Turkey, provided that Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, were included. “We said! that in that case we must consider our special interests in the maintenance of Swiss and Nedieilanas independence.

“The Soviet replied that if Western Europe were brought moie cKarlj into the picture, they must consider means of ensuring immediate help to the west, and suggested opening negotiations with Poland and Turkey.

“The Soviet also defined direct and indirect aggression in. terms so farreaching that, in the British view, thev amounted to potential interference in the internal policies of other States. Three-Power Agreement

“The noints outstanding are not disclosed' but it is known that agreement has been reached on the fundamentals of a three-Power defensive pact, on the principle of military cooperation if certain States tims of aggression, on, the provision against a separate armistice or peace, on the need for immediate military conversations, and on the way in which reference should be made to League principles.” Editorially, The Times says: “The Baltic States, esoeevallv Finland, b'”'" a nightmare of Russians advancing with rifles in one hand and leaflets in the other, and staying indefinitely in order to .scatter Communist propaganda. “The Baltic States must realise that if a German-Russian war breaks out, they will inevitably be drawn in.” Not Entirely Satisfactory The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says an immediate three-Power mutual assistance pact would be less satisfactory as a deterrent against aggression i nr l i the L of general treaty hitherto proposed, because Russia would be able to remain. neutral in the event of a German attack on her neighbours. Furthermore. Poland and Rumania would ite urrhle to cAtem Russian while Britain and France would be "ooeraphically ill-placed lo assist them. Swiss public opinion, reports the Geneva correspondent, of the Daily Telegraph, has been stirred by publication of the fact that guarantees for Belgium and Switzerland were discussed In Moscow. Opinion overwhelmingly opposes any diplomatic reconciliation with, Russia.