REJECTION BY SOVIET

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20819, 1 June 1939, Page 9

REJECTION BY SOVIET

w »

THE ANGLO-FRENCH PROPOSALS OFFER DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH RESUMING TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH GERMANY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 1, 11.40 a.m.) MOSCOW, May 31 The Commissar of Foreign Affairs, M. Molotoff, addressing the Soviet Supreme Council, announced the rejection by the Soviet of the latest Anglo-French offer. M. Molotoff sceptically and caustically described the AngloFrench efforts to build a peace front as insufficient and ineffective. “It is impossible to think now whether they really want to end aggression. That is why we must be vigilant. We want peace but we must remember M. Stalin’s warning about pulling chestnuts from the fire.” While rejecting the latest Anglo-French offer as not going far enough, especially where the Baltic States are concerned, M. Molotoff intimated that trade negotiations with Germany may soon be resumed. He said: “The latest Anglo-French proposals admit the principle of reciprocity. That is a step forward, but it has several qualifications possibly making it ineffective. The democratic countries have previously under-estimated the changes in the world situation and while abandoning collec- / tive security have tried a policy of appeasement. The Soviet " opposes both these views. The Soviet never feels any sympathy for aggression. It does not approve of efforts to conceal true facts from the public.”

“We Must Be Careful •‘Are there any signs that the democratic Powers want to make a real effort to check aggression?” asked M. Molotoff. “We stand for peace, but must be careful. We know the difference between words and acts, but the difference must be noticed in England. “The Italo-Oerman alliance establishes the principle of absolute reciprocity. There was no reciprocity in several of the early Anglo-French proposals. The Anglo-Turkish pact changed the international situation, therefore the Soviet accepted the offers of negotiation with Britain. “The Soviet Union is not what it was in 1921. We are obliged to remind the world of the fact, but it seems that our neighbours often forget that it is time to understand that we will not tolerate the violation of our frontiers. “We must, according to the mutual assistance agreement, help to guard Mongolia's frontiers. We will defend those frontiers as firmly as our own. It is time to understand that all patience has a limit. Three Points Insisted On (1) The pact must be exclusively of a defensive character. (2) It must guarantee all oountries 'without exception on the western borders of the Soviet Union. (3) It must be a concrete agreement for assistance in the event of future attacks. The second condition shows that the Soviet has not moved from the position taken up weeks ago. Relations With Italy M. Molotoff 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 ty negotiations recently carried on were at present Interrupted, but there were signs that they may be resumed. He referred to the improvement In Polish-Soviet relations, admitted Soviet help to China, and described the Japanese threats against Outer Mongolia as funny and nonsensical. It was time that Japan cease all provocations. The Soviet would defend Outer Mongolian borders, the reactionary Japanese should know that they cannot intimidate the Soviet with threats. Approved by Deputies The Chamber of Deputies passed a resolution unanimously approving of the foreign policy.

WAY LEFT OPEN FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS POSSIBLE FIRST REACTION IN LONDON (Independent Cable) (Received June 1, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 31 in Whitehall circles the first impression of M. Molotoff’s speech is that it leaves the way open for further negotiations. NOT ACCEPTABLE NOT A FLAT REJECTION M. MOLOTOFF S INTENTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 1. 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, May 31 { From varying versions of M. Molotoff’s speech in the reports reaching London to-night it appears that M. Molotoff intended to convey that the latest Anglo-French proposals, as submitted, are not acceptable, but a Oat rejection of the proposed pacts wo not bn intention.

ABSOLUTE EQUALITY

INSISTED ON BY SOVIET NEGOTIATIONS TO CONTINUE BRITAIN AND FRANCE CRITICISED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 1, 1 p.m.) MOSCOW, May 31 Before a crowded Parliament Chamber the Soviet Premier, M. Molotoff, indicated non-acceptance of the latest Anglo-French proposals, but left the door ajar. Terrific applause greeted M. Stalin’s appearance. Sir William Seeds, Brit-

British Ambassador, who has been conducting negotiations with the Soviet regarding a pact.

ish Ambassador, and M. Litvinoff were present.

M. Stalin. M. Voroshilov and M. Litvinoff joined in the five minutes’ applause when M. Molotoff declared that the Soviet insisted on absolute equality with England and France. M. Molotoff said the Anglo-French negotiations are continuing, “but we insist on our own viewpoint, concerning which we have no need to consult anyone.” The principle of reciprocity had been accepted but “had been modified by so many clauses that it may be only formal.” He complained that no progress had been made regarding the small countries. The proposals spoke only of the countries which Britain - and France guaranteed. They were silent regarding those countries on the north-western frontier of Russia which might be powerless if ever forced to defend their neutrality.