Evening star., 1936-03-17

Nations Covenant, thereby strength
ening the latter.
French sources said the exchange Of
communications with Berlin were only
"a sure method of provoking Hitler to
some brusque action"
"Opportunism" Wearies French.
It was no secret that the French
delegates were wearied by what they
described as "the opportunism of Brit
ish policy" They said they would
never forgive Britain if she backs down
on sactions against Germany-what-
ever the kind-after forcing France to
exert pressure on her new-found
friend. Italy.
Flandin was received in audience by
King Edward during the afternoon.
The audience was described officially
as courtesy visit" but the French
said it presented Flandin with the op-
portunity for an exchange of opinion.
King Edward also received Premier
Paul Van iceland of Belgium and
Joseph Beck, foreign minister OF
Poland.
Although the Flandin audience with
the King was described officially as "a
courtesy visit" a French spokesman
said that does not prevent an inpor-
tant exchange of opinion from taking
place"
No communique was issued follow
ing the Jocarno session. but it was
stated authoritatively that the British
tried unsuccessfully to win at least
partial approval from France and Bel
gium for a discussion of the Hitler
suggestions.
The meeting of Locarno powers pre-
ceded the afternoon session Of the
League of Nations Council, called to
consider the joint Franco-Belgian
resolution declaring Germany treaty
A French spokesman frankly de-
clared his belief that the gravest mo-
ment in postwar history was reached
with today's meeting of the Locarno
powers and the decisive Council ses-
sion, coupled with Flandin's audience
with King Edward.
British Hold Key.
The future, this spokesman said,
depended upon British reaction to
French demands for punishment Of
Germany.
Flandin was understood to have
entered the Locarno meeting fully de-
termined to press the British for
clear-cut statement as to what they
would do to uphold the Locarno pact
and to give the French immediate
assistance in the event Of a German
attack.
British Foreign Secretary Anthony
Eden promised such aid in an address
TO the House Of Commons immedi-
ately after the German march into
The Rhineland precipitated the crisis. |
Flandin, however. sought an assur-
ance that Hitler's forwarding of peace
including an offer for nom
aggression treaties and an air pact,
did not change this stand.
The French entered the meeting of |
of the Locarno sigma
tories confident that they would gain |
their point and be back at Paris to- |
IlOIIOW 1lSAI db t1lC idOCSts ACdQy W |
let other powers discuss Hitler's peace
if they wished, but mot in
.erested" themselves.
The French delegation was. described
reliably as feeling that after to-day's
meetings of the Locarno powers and
;he League Council they would have
no further interest in London nego-
.iations.
Furthermore, the French were said
10 feel the League has about run its
course as an international instru-
nent" and today's sessions might be
the beginning Of the end Of the
League in this role.
Two members of the French staff
already have returned to Paris.
French sources said they were aware
hat they had placed the British in a
iificult position with their demand
'or immediate action, but wanted a
ieflnite acceptance or rejection Of
heir request for assurances of Brit
sh aid.
The French delegation realized that
the answer were favorable, the !