New Britain herald., 1930-03-31
Security Pact impossible

London March Sl Pt-A sharp 'repercussion was produced In French headquarters by the state ment issued by a British official spokesman yesterday in which it was declared absolutely impossible for Great Britain to undertake any further military commitments III connection with the proposed French security pact.
 Foreign Minister Briand himself this morning indicated disapproval of the issuance of this statement on the grounds that it had been agreed no statement of any kind would be made while the Franco British ne gotiations were proceeding.
 The French foreign minister, speaking to French newspaper men, said he hoped he could believe that the statement issued last night had no authoriza ton. He understood it mad been agreed no statement of any kind would be issued while these conversations were continu- ing and he felt publication of this particular statement was scarcely suitable in the circumstances.
 Observers were inclined to the belief that Foreign Minister Briand was speaking with his tongue in his cheek when he expressed the hope the statement had no official au thorization. British official spokes- men are noted for punctlliousness about having authorization before making statements of this sort and the British press this morning ac- cepted the statement as an official communique.
 It was understood that the reser- sations prepared by France would he to insure that acceptance of the Japanese American formula does not imply Japan's readiness to give up her demands for a 70 per cent ratio of cight-inch gun cruisers per manently and 10 enable Japan to carry out a certain amount of naval construction between now and 1886 tor the purpose of giving employ ment to skilled dockyard workers Tn the meantime.
 Denies Asking Commitments
 Prime Minister Briand asserted 10 the newspapers his morning that during the negotiations France had never attempted 10 demand new commitments from Great Britain. He said France had simply asked recognition of the engagements and international agreements already subscribed 10 by her as well IS a definition Of the existing covenant of the League of Nations particu- larly with reference to article Is.
 (Artlcle l 6 deals with measures to he taken by the League Of Nations in the event that any member of 1ho league should resort 10 war in dis regard of it's covenants under the league agreement)
 Brief Meeting Today
 4 brief meeting Of the heads Of the delegations was held this morn ing at St. James palace and inc aeendas for future meetings were discussed. II had been intimatcd last night that todays meeting would take up important political phases Of the conference. but at American spokesman said today that there was no political discus sion whatever.
 Asked whether there was still hope for a five power agreement the spokesman said the British, Ital- ians, and French were still working hard and the Americans intended to maintain their position or sitting tight and not interfering with thcI labors.
 Jacques Dumcsnil of The trenct delegation had a. conference witt Ambassador Dawes this morning lut the nature of their discussion was not dNulgcd. Dumesnil expect cd to see Foreign Minister Grand of Italy during the afternoon, thl being one of the rare meetings be tween the French and Italian repre- sentatives since the conference tarted.
 Secretary Of State StImson expect ed 10 see Prime Minister MacDonal, during the day if the latter IS no tied up with a conference on Egyp which is now demanding much 0 the British statesman attention.
 Conference Atmosphere Gloomy
 Pessimistic reports regarding ih' future of the five power naval con ference once again today were be ing banded about hy those close t' the barley. There was wide "XpeC taton that the plcnary session Fri day would bring show down whicI may mark the end Of the five powc aspect of the conference for mos practical purposes.
 With imminent failure Of agr," ment between France and Grca Britain and Italy and F'ranc' I ] power pact. inyolinc United State Japan and Great Britain once nor .ppears 10 he the principal doev n1ont which may arise from the na1 1eN Jfs ierns of rOIrSe MOIII1 l.