Evening star., 1939-04-14
London Striving
To Put Teeth
In Coalition
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
LONDON, April 14.-British ef-
forts to bring Soviet Russia into a
grand alliance against Nazi-Fascist
expansion were reliably reported to
have made good progress today after
a long conference between Foreign
Secretary Viscount Halifax and So
Wet Ambassador Ivan Maisky.
This was the second development
IN Britain's efforts to put sharper
teeth in her policy with France for
European collective security against
aggression.
The first. reliable reports said,
was British pressure for military
staff talks among Polish. Rumanian.
Greek, French and British experts.
Maisky Appears Pleased.
Maisky, seemingly pleased by the
fiat British-French guarantee yes
terday to help Rumania defend her
independence, asked for the con-
ference with Lord Halifax.
After he left. British spokesman
said:
There is no reason to believe that
Russia may not join the alliance
within the next few days"
The Soviet government had sug-
gested shortly after Germany's an
nexation of Bohemia and Moravia
that all countries interested in stop
ping aggression should meet to
formulate plan of general action.
Britain regarded this suggestion
as premature" and Moscow since
had shown little interest in joining
Britain's stop Hitler" bloc
Both Poland and Rumania were
known, moreover, to oppose Rus
sian cooperation in fear that it
would be interpreted by Germany
as provocative. Britain consistently
has tried to break down Polish and
Rumanian opposition to Russian CO.
operation.
Importance Of Soviet Stressed.
Authoritative sources said Britain
even had pointed out to Warsaw
and Bucharest that without Rus
sian military support 1t might pe
impossible to keep Poland or Ru-
mania from being overrun before
British and French aid could be
sent to them.
This argument was said 10 have
mad its effect in the past "a hours.
The proposal for staff talks was
said to be the first move in
the general attempt to translate
British French guarantees of mil
itary aid to Poland, Rumanla and
Greece into terms of potential
planes, soldiers and strategy.
ENJOYS of the guaranteed states
have been told of Britains desire
to expedite detailed military ar
rangements. one well-informed
source said.
Kennedy Sees Chamberlain.
Meanwhile. United States AM
bassador Joseph P. Kennedy called
on Prime Minister Chamberlain,
congratulating him on the declara-
ton in the House of Commons yes
terday in which he extended the
pledges to Greece and Rumania.
The commitment to Poland was two
weeks old.
Following the conference with Mr..
Kennedy. Mr.. Chamberlain and his
wife left for the week end at his
country estate, Chequers. The Prime
Minister'S relaxation was broken a
week ago by the Italian invasion of
Albania.
The pledges to Greece and Ru-
mania met angry receptions from
Fascists and Nazis.
Seriousness Emphasized.
1t was understood here that the
British ENJOYS in Berlin and Rome
had been instructed to take every
opportunity to impress on Germany
and Italy the seriousness of the new
pledges.
Some persons in London diplo-
matt quarters expressed fears that
Berlin officials would not understand
what were called the understatement
and calm language in Mr.. Chamber
lains declaration yesterday.
They said they specifically feared
(See LONDON, Page AID