BRITISH DIPLOMACY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1926, Page 2

BRITISH DIPLOMACY

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, Aug. 21. A most important official move has been made, according to the “Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent by Director Prime Do Rivera’s request through diplomatic channels to the end that the British, French, and Italian Governments should agree to either the incorporation of the Tangier enclave within Spain’s Aloroecan protectorate or to the granting by the League, to Spain of a mandate over Tangier. The correspondent emphasises that the strategic position, so far as Britain is concerned, is that control of Tangier by any single power might constitute a menace to Gibraltar, and to the freedom of the Straits, which is vital to the British Navy.

France, he says, is perturbed for different reasons. Her relations with Spain are not so harmonious as would appear on the surface, in spite of their common efforts against Abdel Kriin. Alorevef. under tho present Tangier regime, France exercises a marked predominance over the other Powers. Herein, he says lies Spain’s chief grievance. Italy’s position is a puzzle, in view of Signor Mussolini’s absence from Rome, but it is certain that ho has not withdrawn his own recent demands for participation in the Tangier administration.

This question threatens to upset the Geneva, apple cart in September (adds tho correspondent). British diplomacy is thus confronted by obstacles that will only be surmountable by a frank and fearless realisation of its Locarno aims. The Tangier resettlement had nothing to do with the Geneva programme, nor is there any reason for the British Government to allow itself fo bo drawn into fresh controversies about Spanish, Polish or any other claims for seats on the League Council. The Commission meeting on August 30th. at Geneva will be competent to discuss the membership and character, but not tile allocation of Council seats, which is a matter for the League Assembly. In this connection the British Government possesses a trump card. It is that Britain, who without receiving anything in return, lias undertaken under Ibe Locarno Pact to guarantee tho security of others. Tho latter were warned then that this was Britain’s last and only offer of tho kind. The hour may have arrived, or soon may arrive, when a reminder of the fact -may not be inopportune. If so, it should not remain without effect upon the obstructionists.