SOVIET POLICY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1939, Page 8

SOVIET POLICY

' ' IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH ITALY UNDERSTANDING WITH POLAND. JAPANESE THREATS RIDICULED. (.Received This Day, 12.25 p.m.) MOSCOW, May 31. M. Molotov described the ItalianGerman military pact as of a fundamentally aggressive nature, but mentioned the Soviet’s improved relations with Italy. He proceeded that the Soviet had not refused to improve trade relations with Germany. The negotiations recently carried on were Sat present interrupted, but there were signs that they might be resumed. He referred to the improvement of PolishSoviet relations, admitted Soviet help to China, and described Japanese threats against Outer Mongolia as funny and nonsensical. It. was time, he said, that Japan should cease all provocations. The Soviet would defend the Outer Mongolian borders. “Reactionary Japanese should know,” he added, “that they cannot- intimidate us with threats.” The Deputies passed a resolution unanimously approving the Government’s foreign policy.

MEANING OF SPEECH LONDON INTERPRETATION. (Received This Day, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 31. From, varying versions of M. Molotov’s speech in reports reaching London tonight, it appears that M. Molotov intended to convey that the latest Anglo-French proposals, as submitted, were not acceptable, but a flat rejection of the proposed pact was not his intention. OPTIMISM IN FRANCE ONLY QUESTIONS OF FORM INVOLVED. (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) PARIS, May 31. The Foreign Office spokesman stated that Russia's objections only involve a question of form. France ■ does not object to aid the Baltic States, provided aid is requested. The Fi-ench Government feels no anxiety regarding the eventual outcome of the negotiations, but another week may be required to make slight revisions in the proposals. NAZI OPINION TWO VIEWS IN BERLIN. (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) BERLIN, May 31. The Nazis interpret M. Molotov’s speech as a setback for Britain and France and an encouragement for Germany and Italy. More conservative Wilhelmstrasse quarters, however, express the opinion that M. Molotov’s coolness towards Britain and France might be merely a diplomatic manoeuvre and that therefore too hasty predictions of the ultimate result of the negotiations would be dangerous.