VISIT TO PARIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1938, Page 5

VISIT TO PARIS

SPECULATION IN LONDON OPPORTUNITY FO.R DISCUSSION MAINTENANCE OF FRIENDLY CONTACT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, November 5. The “Daily Mail” says that Mr Chamberlain in his visit to Paris in company with Lord Halifax, will certainly discuss the question of colonies in Paris, and adds that after the visit Mr Chamberlain will probably meet Signor Mussolini. Clearly Mr Chamberlain is intent on hurrying the discussions leading to a four-Power conference. A British Official Wireless message states that morning newspapers agree with reports of Paris opinion in regarding the visit of Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax to Paris as above all a reaffirmation of Franco-British friendship. Comment in more responsible organs, however, emphasizes the social character of the visit, as indicated by the presence of Mrs Chamberlain and Lady Halifax, and eschews the speculative and political interpretations which appear in the popular Press. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that, while the invitation from France was in the first place one of courtesy and not political it would be absurd to assume that there will not be political conversations, even if they are only of an informal character.

In London it has been clearly realized during the past few weeks that the •disposal of the Czechoslovakian crisis and the- signature of the Munich Agreement marked a turning point in the relations of Britain with the rest of Europe, and an end of the French alliance with Czechoslovakia could not fail to render the change even more decisive for France. Collaboration between Britain and France has certainly not lost its importance. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” suggests that the visit will be devoted largely to social engagements, but the Prime Minister, in going to Paris, is also adhering to his belief in the value of direct contact with foreign statesmen, and, since the closest possible co-operation with France remains an axiom of British foreign policy, this writer expresses the belief that Mr Chamberlain will discuss with French Ministers his proposals for European appeasement.