PEACE IN EUROPE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1939, Page 5

PEACE IN EUROPE

PECULIAR STATEMENT MADE IN BERLIN TALK OF LAST INVITATION. REJECTED BY DEMOCRACIES. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.43 a.m.) RUGBY. May 25. An apparently inspired Berlin statement. in the course of which it is declared that the Western Powers have rejected “the last invitation of the Axis Powers to the democracies for a common solution of European pioblems,” has caused some discussion in diplomatic circles in London. According to agency reports, the statement alludes to speeches at the League Council by Viscount Halifax and M. Bonnet, in which they reaffirmed the attachment of their two Governments to the principles of peace and justice enshrined in the Covenant. The Berlin statement also refers to negotiations between Britain, France and the Soviet on security questions and proceeds to declare that political circles in Berlin find proof therein that the Western Powers have rejected “the last invitation of the Axis Powers.” The statement goes on to postulate that these Western Powers have —in some way not explained—refused their co-operation in what is called a constructive solution in favour of European peace, but that is not defined and the statement reiterates the familiar charges of “encirclement.” • Official circles in London are unable to throw any light on the reference to “the last invitation of the Axis Powers.” Commentators in London also are at a loss to discover how any question of “encirclement” can arise.

It is stated in official quarters that Britain remains ready at all times to lend its co-operation to peaceful settlement by discussion. It is recalled that only last Friday, in the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain emphasised the common agreement of the Government and the Opposition on ■ the necessity for a longterm peace policy for the settlement of outstanding difficulties.

PACT WITH SOVIET OUTLINES OF BRITISH PLAN SENT TO MOSCOW. FULLER DETAILS TO FOLLOW. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, May 25. Broad outlines of the British plan have been sent to the British Ambassador at Moscow, Sir William Seeds, together with a copy of Mr Chamberlain’s House of Commons statement yesterday, for transmission to the Soviet Government. Sir William Seeds has been instructed to add that the British proposals are at present being formulated in detail and ’ will shortly be sent to Moscow. TOKIO ALLEGATION AGREEMENT TO HELP CHINA. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) TOKIO, May 25. The newspaper “Kokumin” alleges that an Anglo-French-Soviet pact contains a secret clause by which help will be given to General Chiang KaiShek.