BRITAIN & RUSSIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1939, Page 5

BRITAIN & RUSSIA

IMPORTANT DISCUSSION IN LONDON HOPES OF CO-OPERATION. IN RE-ESTABLISHING SECURITY. (British Official Wireless.! RUGBY, April 15. Added significance is given to yesterday’s interview between the Russian Ambassador, M Maisky, and Lord Halifax in view of the Ministerial statements in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday concerning the importance which the Government attaches to the part Russia might play in the new policy toward European peace. Arrangements have been made for the British Ambassador in M.oscow to see M Litvinoff, Soviet Foreign Minister, tomorrow, and it is anticipated that the possibilities of associating the Soviet Government in a system of pacts agaihsi aggression, in which London and Paris have taken the initiative. will be discussed. While the conversations between Lord Halifax and Mr Maisky were proceeding in London, M Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, was in consultation with the Russian Ambassador in Paris.

Meanwhile consultations on the new security system are being continued between Britain and Turkey, account being taken not only of Britain’s concern in Turkey’s independence, but also of Turkey’s own weighty influence ■i the cause of peace throughout the Balkans. . , , In view of Great Britain s pledge to Rumania, importance is attached by t“he Press to the movements of M. Gafrncu. Rumanian Foreign Minister, who will visit Brussels on April 21. immediately after his visit to Berlin. It has been indicated to him that he ”11 be very welcome in London if he wishes to come when he leaves Belgium. No formal invitation has been sent but there is much to discuss concerning the British assurance, and his visit would provide an excellent opportunity.