The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-12-01
.LOCARNO PACTS
SIGNED BY
NATIONS
Ceremony in London Puts an
End to Wars, States
men Declare
BY international News Service

| OF peace, was signed III the re-
ception hall of the foreign office
by the leading statesmen of the
continent at 1925 this morning.
The ceremonies opened prompt
| ly at II o'clock when Austen
Chamberlain called the assem-
blage to order and made brief
Introductory speech. Other dele
gates also made brief addresses.
Note Handed Germans
The room was flooded with arti-
fetal sunlight, which suddenly
failed, but just as the Germans
were called upon to sign, the light
came on again.
After the signing the Germans
were handed a formal note from
the allies, setting forth the allied
Interpretation of article XVI Of
the League. of Nations covenant
as agreed at Locarno.
When the treaties had been
signed M. BRAND, speaking from
his seat, declared that he repre-
l.
people in their desire for peace and
their hatred of war and he assured
the signatories that France would
do all in her power to make the
treaties q success and to prevent
war.
Premier Baldwin of Great Britain
who had witnessed the signing of
the treaties, made brief speech,
declaring that the treaties have
laid the foundation for world peace,
so long sought.
For the first time since the be.
ginning of the war. the magnificent
reception hall of the Foreign Office
was brought back to it's proper use.
Stenographers and clerks have
held possession Of this famous old
room. due to lack Of space.
But. for today's ceremony the
room was restored, historic pictures
and famous tapestries and priceless
furniture having been put in place.
The ceiling was re-tinted a "Lo.
carno sky-blue" and the bright gilt
of the chairs offset the green of
thickly-woven. rich carpets. as the
delegates assembled around a huge
mahogany horseshoe table.
Ceremony Is Unique
1t was q unique ceremony in more
than one respect for newspapermen
were admitted, even accommodated
to watch the proceedings-an 1t has
never before been the privilege of
newspapermen to sit in on the his.
toric proceedings which have taken
place in this room, where diplomats
have met and negotiated for nearly
half a century.
Austen Chamberlain, British for
eign minister. immaculate in the ira.
ditional British morning dress, with
| his monocle highly polished but
failing to hide twinkle of great
satisfaction, presided over the meet.
ing.
Aristide BRAND. the new premiere
Of France, came to sign the pact for
his nation.
Chancellor Luther and Foreign
Minister Stresemann, showing the
signs of the wearing battle they
have had to fight on behalf of the
Locarno treaties, represented Ger.
many.
M. Vanderveld represented Bel.
GUM, Count Skrzynski came for
| Poland and Doctor Benes repre-
Eented Czecho-Slovakia.
MussOIini Is Absent.
Premier Mussolini of Italy was
the only original signer of the pact
who was absent. and Italy was rep.
resented by Signor Scialoja.
! When these distinguished states
men had been formally called to-
| gether Austen Chamberlain read
! the text Of the treaty-whereby the
signatory powers pledge not to
make war against each other, but
! to submit their differences to ar.
| bitration.
| Reaffirming their acceptance Of
! the pact, the delegates then signed
| the document, using gold pens, and
golden ink-well that has been
used by British statesmen for 800
years.
Reception BY the King
| Much OF the splendor and pomp
which had been planned for the
| ceremony was done away with out
| of respect to the King, in his be-
4 reavement.
/ King George, however, did not
| desire the historic occasion to PASS
without recognition, and he planned
to receive all of the delegates at
Buckingham Palace during the day.
Austen Chamberlain will enter
| tain all or the representatives at
dinner tonight at Lancaster House,
! this private dinner being substitllt
ed for the great state banquet
which the King and Queen had
! planned to give at Buckingham
/ Palace.
Tomorrow night Premier Baldwin
| will give a private dinner for dele
gates at 10 Downing street
Herr Stresseman and M. BRAND
are comforting this afternoon. II is
understood Stresseman will urge
the abolition Of restrictions upon
| free travel between France and
! Germany,
! He will also recommend that there
| be closer cooperation between Ger
many, France and Great Britain
! for the development of civil
| aviation.
! MAN, 81, STARTS 61-YEAR