DIPLOMATIC ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 January 1939, Page 6

DIPLOMATIC ACTION

BRITAIN TALKS WITH MOSCOW AND PARIS Significant Developments Expected SPIRIT OF CONFIDENCE IN WHITEHALL By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. The Associated Press says British diplomatic activity, including important talks with Moscow and Paris, occurred during the weekend, resulting in a spirit of confidence in Whitehall. Most significant developments are, firstly, an assurance to the Soviet by the new Ambassador to Moscow (Sir William Seeds) in the following words: “I am instructed to convey Britain’s readiness to exchange views on all current international problems.” Secondly, France has given an assurance of her readiness to discuss her differences with Italy immediately the Italian Press campaign against France is abated.

Sir William Seeds was received by both M. Litvinoff and M. Kalinin, President of the Soviet Executive. The latter interview is stated to have been extremely friendly. It is understood that the assurances had a most favourable reception. It is understood that during the Paris talks, information was conveyed to France that Italy’s real claims were confined to the position of her nationals in Tunis and the Jibuti railway. France, stating that she was prepared to discuss these, declared that she strongly resented Italy’s launching demands at the time of a French strike, interpreting this as a deliberate attempt to undermine French morale.