NO FLAT REJECTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1939, Page 5

NO FLAT REJECTION

RUSSIA AND THE PEACE PLAN OPINIONS OF BRITISH NEWSPAPERS. HOPES OF OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, May 31. “The Times” says: “If the speech is not a full acceptance of the last British proposals it is still less a flat rejection. There is nothing in M. Molotov’s misgivings and reservations that further negotiations should not be able to remove. The Soviet’s objections seem to be on a point of detail in the procedure. “M. Molotov’s reference to qualifications in the British plan apparently concerned its mention of the League Covenant. The British Government did not mean consultation with member States involving delay. The difference in viewpoint on this and other matters should be easily adjustable.” The “Daily Mail” and “Daily Telegraph,” commenting on M. Molotov's statement, point out that some advances have been made by M. Molotov, who at least acknowledged the embodiment of the principle of reciprocity in the proposals from England and France, but he is dissatisfied with the qualifications, on the grounds that they would nullify the application of an agreement.

BALTIC STATES UNWILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT GUARANTEES. M. MOLOTOV’S DOUBTS. LONDON, May 31. The “Daily Telegraph” and “Daily Mail” are agreed that the most difficult problem is the guaranteeing of Russia’s western frontier and the Baltic States’ unwillingness to accept guarantees for fear of imperilling their neutrality. “This should not be allowed to wreck an agreement,” the “Telegraph” adds. “The general impression, is that Russia genuinely desires an agreement and, in fact, is committed to joining in an anti-aggression 'front. “On the other hand, there still lurks in M. Molotov’s mind a doubt regarding the earnestness of the purpose of England and France. It would be a grievous misfortune if the negotiations were jeopardised through a mere lack of mutual confidence and an imperfect realisation of each other’s intentions.” FEARS IN JAPAN PRESSURE IN FAR EAST.. ( TOKIO, June 1. Mr Nishi, Counsellor for the Japanese Embassy at Moscow, when interviewed today, said that Russia would not participate in an Anglo-French alliance unless it included assistance in the Far East, enabling Russia to bring pressure to bear on Japan. • OFFICIAL OPINION. “DIFFERENCES OF FORM.” (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) RUGBY, June 1. Pending the Soviet’s formal reply to the Anglo-French proposals, M. Molotov’s speech is being carefully studied by the appropriate departments in London. It is felt in London that the differences are of form rather than of substance, but obviously outstanding points will have to be the subject of further negotiations before an agreement can be said to nave been reached. ' ,

TALK IN PARIS DISAPPOINTMENT EXPRESSED IN NEWSPAPERS. DEEP-SEATED SOVIET DISTRUST. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) PARIS, June 1. The British Ambassador, Sir Eric Phipps, and M. Bonnet conferred regarding M. Molotov’s reply. The French Press expresses disappointment and draws attention to the deep-seated nature of the Soviet distrust of Britain and France. HOPEFUL PREDICTION PACT TO BE CONCLUDED IN FEW DAYS. (Independent Cable Service.) (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) LONDON, June 1. The “Evening Standard” says the three-Power Pact will be concluded in a few days, as Britain is willing to retract the League of Nations proviso if it stands in the way of the pact. The “Manchester Guardian” in a leading article states: —“After the glowing prophecies that an Anglo-Russian agreement was as good as completed except for the applause, M. Molotov’s speech comes as a cold shower. It is a warning not to assume that the Russian Government is as anxious for an alliance as a great many people here.’’ LITTLE BUSINESS. LONDON STOCK MARKETS WEAKER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, June 1. The markets are weaker owing to the unfavourable Russian reaction to the pact negotiations and little business is passing.