BALTIC FEARS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1939, Page 7

BALTIC FEARS

UNDERSTOOD IN LONDON DIFFICULTY IN MOSCOW NEGOTIATIONS. DESIRE TO RE-ESTABLISH CONFIDENCE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) RUGBY. July 7. London newspapers reproduce extracts from articles in the Press of Finland and other Baltic States expressing anxiety and in some cases resentment, based on stories in circulation regarding “guarantees” .said to be under discussion in the Moscow negotiations. The views in governmental circles and among the public in the Baltic States, which give rise to these articles, have long been well understood in London.

Repeated statements by Ministers in answer to questions in the House of Commons and speeches by Lord Halifax in the House of Lords contain ample evidence of Britain’s awareness of the standpoint of the Baltic States themselves, and her' desire to do evtrything possible to meet their susceptibilities. There is little doubt in well-informed circles here that the reserve which Britain has felt compelled to maintain in this respect has constituted one of the principal difficulties in the way of rapid progress in the Moscow negotiations. In diplomatic circles in London, comment on the attitude of the Baltic States tends to follow the line that while feelings regarding "the guarantees question” are thoroughly appreciated. and as stated are being taken fully into account, nevertheless the fact should not be overlooked that the sole aim of French and policy is to provide a deterrent to aggression and that the smaller countries are among the beneficiaries if that policy succeeds in restoring confidence in Europe. NEW PROPOSALS SUBMISSION TO MOSCOW. (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) MOSCOW. July 7. Sir William Seeds and M. Naggiar are seeking an interview with M. Molotov tomorrow in order to submit new proposals.