LOCARNO CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1925, Page 1

LOCARNO CONFERENCE

FURTHER PROGRESS. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association,] LONDON. Oet. 10. Optimism is expressed by newspapers in both Paris and Berlin as regards the outcome of the Locarno discussion. The outstanding difficulty according to a Locarno correspondent-, is the interpretation of Article Sixteen of the League of Nations Covenant, the problem being bow to draft a formula to enable Germany to join the League without jeopardising her treaties with Russia.

The French tire not in favour of a German suggestion to amend Article Sixteen so as to exempt Germany from its operation till other Slates are equally disarmed, and thus allay her fear that France will cross Germany in support- of Poland. A prominent German at Locarno remarked:— For five years we have been blackballed from the League. Now. suddenly, they are trying to pull us in hv Hie coat tails.”

ft is regarded as possible that a formuhi may he found in the adoption of ii Canadian resolution submitted to the Assembly of the League two years ago, declaring that, any sanctions are only cnforcahl© when they are adopted by the Parliaments of the countries concerned.

A Locarno communique states Hie conference gave second readings to Articles of tlm Pact on the basis of amendments, submitted bv jurists in the name of Italy, which had not appeared in the draft of the text drawn nil in London, hut were added to the preamble among the contracting parties. This- confirms a declaration already made by the Italian delegates concerning Italy’s intention to participate in the pact as guarantors on the same conditions as Britain.

Alt examination of the articles resulted in the adoption of a definite text. A majority of the points remained reserved for later discussion The articles of the Pact so reserved relate to a. guarantee for Eastern arbil ration treaties, and the entry ol Germany into the League, but the fundamental differences in those connections have apparently been already adjusted. Efforts already are being made to find a formula which will safeguard French rights and at the same time be acceptable to Germany The Franco-German delegates confer red on the subject this afternoon. Representatives of Poland and Czechoslovakia will join in the deliberation' on Tuesday, and it is hoped the conference will finish next, week-end. General approval is given the paet, with lhe exception of two disputed points. ;| precise formula for which lias not ye! been found. Italy, before an agreement was reached, announced Iter decision, to sign Hie pact. This announcement was a dramatic but not a surprising one, as it was ioreshadowod from the beginning. Italy’s act, is one of great consequence, winch adjourned till October 12ifi. LOCARNO, Oct. 12. Diplomat ic conversations including an interview between Count Skrzynski (Poland), and Mr Chamberlain are proceeding. Alter the interview both Count. Skrvznski and Air ( liaiubeilain received press correspondents. It is stated it is a mistake i<> suppose Britain is not interested in the eastern European frontiers, although she will not assume new obligations and reserves to herself absolute liberty for the future. Count Ski/.ynski declared Roland desired a (air coinpromise on one ol the basis ol the existing treaties, and of the covenant, of Hie League. BERLIN. Oct. lb The German newspapers do not share the optimism <>f the loreigo press. They consider (he rniileroiiro has reached a deadloek. and decline success er failure depends on the Jit Ivale conservations between the statesmen. LOCARNO. Oet. in. Dr. St reseiiiami had an hour’s conversation with Al. Rt'ia nd. 'The latter subsequently expressed himself as well satisfied. He said all Hie statesmen at the eon fere nee wore obviously determined to see the whole problem confronting the eonlerence from a- European standpoint, and anyone at present wishing to until,4 the banners of war in Europe would scatter tlm seeds of civil war. All the parties at -file coiiferenee must make concessions in view of this fact.

S ATI SI'ACTOY KOIiMIH.A I'OTNIL (Received this day at- R a.mA LONDON. On. I-*. Advices Inmi Lncnnio stale it is re--1 i ll l l l v ivpindod the < oiiversat ion mi the lake trip, mentioned earlier, rclerred exclusively in tlie ipiestion of 'tile ndinissiiin el (lorniiiuy in 11 1 e l.eaeiu , App.'irently a sntfcfaH ir,v formula "‘as lorined.