CO-OPERATION

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20493, 9 May 1938, Page 7

CO-OPERATION

BRITAIN AND FRANCE DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE IMPLIED POOLING FINANCIAL RESOURCES United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt LONDON, April 28 A "defensive alliance” is implied in the Anglo-French agreement, reached to-day, says the diplomatic correspondent uf the Times. The co-opera-tion of the armies and air forces, he states, is fully arranged. After a discussion by French and British representatives relating Jo the coordination of the defensive strength of the two nations, the correspondent says, it was agreed that there should be immediate purchases of war materials and raw materials, with a certain amount of pooling of financial sourcesIt was recognised that these measures constituted a defensive alliance, particularly in the air. The details of co-operation and of purchases will be worked out by officers of the two general staffs. Armies and Air Forces A further measure of joint defence would ensure the co-operation of both Air Forces, under the command of a British officer, and the co-operation of the two armies under a French officer. Plans under consideration, says the diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Mail, include the establishment of bases in France for British aeroplanes, provision for several squadrons of fast British Bristol fighters for service with the French Air Force, and the creation of a vast joint stock of petrol for use by the co-ordinated air forces in time of emergency. The extent of the co-operation envisaged for defence purposes goes far beyond anything before contemplated in peace time by the British Government. The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent slates that during the discussions it was clearly recognised that the contemplated arrangements were primarily technical, rattier than political, and not binding either country to any special line of action in hypothetical circumstances; but, while Britain is not prepared directly to assist France in financing her armament expansion, consideration will be given to building up emergency stocks of materials and foodstuffs. The Pooling of Forces It is also considered desirable that Britain and France should co-operate closely as to types of armament, especially of aircraft.. There also seems to have been some discussion o( the effective means of pooling forces and base facilities. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Herald says lie regards the developments as "another step toward establishing a complete Anglo-French Alliance, fully organised and prepared for the eventuality of war.”