DOOR LEFT AJAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1939, Page 8

DOOR LEFT AJAR

RUSSIA AND THE PEACE PACT PROPOSALS Insistence on Absolute Equality POSITION OF THE BALTIC STATES DEMAND FOR RECIPROCAL GUARANTEES By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, .12.25 p.m.) MOSCOW, May 31. Before a crowded Parliament Chamber, the Soviet Premier and Commissar for Foreign Affairs, M. Molotov, indicated non-acceptance of the latest Anglo-French proposals, but left the door ajar. , Terrific applause greeted M. Stalin’s appearance.. Sir William Seeds (British Ambassador) and M. Litvinoffi were present. M.M. Stalin, Voroshilov and Litvinoff joined in the five-minute applause when M. Molotov declared that the Soviet insisted on absolute equality with England and France. M. Molotov said the Anglo-French negotiations were being continued, “but we insist on our own viewpoint concerning which we have no need to consult anyone. The principle of reciprocity has been accepted, but has been modified by so many clauses that it may be only formal.” He complained that no progress had been made regarding the small countries and. added: “The proposals speak only of the countries Britain and France have guaranteed. They are silent regarding those countries on the north-western frontier of Russia which may be powerless if they are ever forced to defend their neutrality.”