1936-10-16 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1936.

BELGIUM DROPS A POLITICAL

BOMBSHELL

REVERSION TO PRE-WAR NEUTRALITY

Complete Reorientation Of Foreign Policy

NEW PROBLEM FOR THE POWERS

European Chancelleries Startled

London, October- 15.

King Leopold's speech has startled European chance'ler'es with its sudden creation of a new political and strategic situa tion. In Geneva it is regarded as a complete reorientation of Belgium's foreign policy.

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The King's references to the League, while not necessarily taken as implying any weakening of Belgium's attachment there- to, are regarded as distinctly savouring of a spirit of defeatism. It is also clear that Belgium has repudiated the responsi bility of ensuring the territorial integrity and political ndepen- dence of any other nation.

PACTS DENOUNCED?

King Leopold's statement is re- garded as tantamount to denun- ciation of the Locarno Pact, and the Franco-Belgian military ung derstanding of 1920.

It is believed that Belgium la alarmed at the potentialities of the Franco-Sovlet mutual assistanbe

pact and is crying off her guar- antee of the Franco-German fron- tier.

It is now felt that the meeting of the Ave Locarno powers will be more than ever necessary, but in the light of the Belgian attitude the basis of discussion will need to be profoundly modified.

FRENCH PRESS OUTCRY In France the speech had the effect of a bombshell on the press, evoking an indignant outcry, re- "garding the move as seriously pre-

Judicing hopes of a new Locamo · understanding. "

Pertinax declares thắt Belgium expungen herself Henceforward from the chapter of security "in International affairs and has thrown off the chains of inter- national engagement without con- sulting anyone.

There is general apprehension as regards possible repercussion of the speech as the Franco-Belgian alllaner was a long and important factor in French defence přepara- tions, and it will now be necessary to continue the Maginet line of defence from the Belgian frontier to the sea.

BERLIN INTEREST

In Berlin the statement aroused considerable attention. The "Ber- llaer Boersen Zeitung" declares it' to be of fundamental importance to the future fareign policy of Belgium, but there is no other comment so far.

:

It is pointed out in Paris that even if Belgium withdrew from the League strict accord with the new policy of neutrality, its obliga- tions are such that the admittance of the right of any troops to pass Belgian territory is still binding for two more years.-- Reuter.

A SEVERE BLOW

London. Oct. 5. From the viewpoint both of British and French security, any return by Belgium to neutrality status would be a severe blow it is felt in diplomatic circles.

GERMANY AND LOCARNO

Objection To Soviet Participation

Berlin, Oct. 15. Germany's reply to the British Locarno note has been delivered In London.

It is understood that it leaves open the way for further progress and reiterates willingness to co- operate in the conclusion of a Western Pact, but reaffirms ob- lection to any attempt to draw the Soviet into the negotiations.--- Beuter.

of our melgbours." the King de- claret.

King Leopola asserted that the Belgian policy must be strong enough to preserve Belgium from war from any source.

He pointed to the "proud exam- ple of Holland and Switzerland," and emphasised that it was solely to preserve Belgium from war. from whatever direction it might come. that the Belgian military system must be organised afresh.

"Our military organisation no longer meets the new possibilities of rapid invasion. We must remedy this detect," the King insisted. Reuter.

PARIS TALK

Paris, Oct. 14. King Leopold's pronouncement did not come as a complete surprise w French official circles.

M. Yves Delbos. the Foreign Minister, had a long talk yesterday with the Belgian Ambassador, who most likely communicated the Belgian policy to this official, Still it is felt that the Belgian decision and its wide implications, including its bearing on any new Locarno Treaty, must be studied most care- fully before any opinion is voiced. It is pointed out that although there is zo definite France-Belgian defensive alliance, the General Stats have worked closely together for defence purposes. Beuter

ARMY MEASURES

Brussels, Oct. 14.

A bill for increasing the Bel-

KING LEOPO.D

THUNDERBOLT IN FRANCE

Government Awaiting More Details

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Paris, Oct. 15.

The text of the speech of King Leopold to the Belgian Couneli of

Ministers was not received until very late. but came as a thunder- bolt. The comp.etely unexpected nature of the Royal announcement was evident from the reaction in the Qual d'Orsay here, where it was stated that the Belgian · de- claration must be treated with calm and impartiality. The Fron- co-Belgian friendship, solidarity and brotherhood was beyond all doubt: Before the French Govern- ment could say any more, it was the Be gian necessary to awalt Government's communications. which it would doubtless make. concerning the significance and pracdeal mportance of the King's announcement.

MOVEMENT FORESEEN There was no doubt that for some time past a distinct move- ment was observable for a return to the neutrailty of Belgium which

desired as before, to be a "guaran- had existed before 1914. Belgium

tezd" and not a "guarantor" state but it was not yet clear whether ths status was recoricillable with the

COLD COMFORT STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE

FOR JARROW

March Not Approved By Government

London, Oct. 15..

FRANK STATEMENTS

BY BRITAINTM

Adequate Defences To Preserve Peace

London. October 15,

Another form of organised marching, an example of which is that now being undertaken by the contingent from Jarrow with a view to drawing attention to the depression which that town has suffered since the war. was the subject of a communication pub-

Britain's need for strong defences to preserve peace and to last night from 10 Downing Street,

It stated that in the opinion of protect her freedom was emphasised in speeches last night by three Cabinet Ministers. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden at the Government such marches can do no good to the causes for which Sheffield declared that strengthening of forces would not be used to Its usefulness would they are represented. Such under-accompany diplomatic proposals with threats.

Hle in the fact that Europe may be convinced that Britain was strong takings are able to cause unneces- sary hardships to those taking enough to play her part to keep peace and that violent courses part in them and are altogether could be met with firm resistance. undesirable. 7

17

1

The War Minister, Mr. Duff Cooper said it had been decided to make Britain ar strong as if not stronger than ever before. The "In, this country governed by a

blessings the British people enjoyed could not be maintained unless. Parliamentary system where every

to defend them. they were prepared vote and every area adult has has its representative in the House nt Commons to put forward grie- vances and suggest remedies, pro- cessions to London cannot claim to have any constitutional, influence on polley. The ministers have therefore, decided that encourage- ment cannot be given to such marches whatever their particular purpose, and cannot consent to receive any deputation of marchers although, of course, they are al- ways prepared to meet members of Parlament."

The Minister for Co-ordination of Defence Services, Sir Thomas Inskip at Walford described the progress with defences against-at- tack by air. He said at least 10,000 officers and men were needed before the anti-aircraft defence unit for the southern area was Similar conversion of Territorial Battalions and adequately manned. formations was being undertaken for protection of the Midlands and Northern England. They would be equipped with the latest and most powerful searchlights and anti-aircraft guns.

The leader of the Jarrow march- ers, who have reached Wakefield states they intend to only present a petition at the door of the House of Commons.-- British Warele..."

SOVIET NOTE ON NEUTRALITY Suggested Control Duty By Navies

NAVY EFFICIENCY

Mr. Winston Churchill also spoke last night on the defence question. The British Navy, he said, was in a high state of efficiency and was

of

with coping

any capable European menace. Ee wished he could feel the

sense Of security about the Air Force.

He would like also to see Britain's small Army, and Territorial Force organised to a far higher pitch than at present contemplated- britt ire'cai.

same

MR. EDEN'S APPEAL

London, Oct. 14." In a speech at Sheffield to-night, Moscow, Oct. 14.

the Foreign Secretary, Mr. An Sovies Russia-> latest mote

sald to thony Eden, there existed the London Committee of Non-

among the British people a very Intervention in Spain, following general and widespread feeling oi the charges of breaches of neutre-

distaste for those extreme political uty on the part of Portugal. Ger- doctrines which were being preach many and Italy, calls for the im-ed and fostered in different forms

tem of mediate establishment of "a sys-

in different countries. Accompany- control on Portuguese ing this distaste for extremes.there ports as the least effort that can

was an increased appreciation of be made to safeguard the neut

and increased attachment, to the rally

Control agreement.

of

tree institutions which they had

these ports was a most urgent necessity, the note asserted.

inherited from their fathers and

which were an expression of Bri- tisk life and character,

There was no wish to quarrel with others who had preferred to adopt different systems of Govern- ment. That was their own affair.

the obligations of League Covenant, Switzerland has hither- to been the only "nation whose Rassia sugrests, the British or neutrality was absolutely guaran- French navies, of both of them teed, and the tenability even of together, should be entrusted with this had several times been ques-carrying out this control duty.

The Russian Government asks tioned in the League of Nations debates. In no case would the that its suggestion be discussed new Belgian attitude be considered at the next session of the Non-But it was the affair of the British people, and very much their affair, | as denunciation of the existing Intervention Committee, which that they should not part with General Staff agreements between will be contened without delay their own methods or weaken in Belgium, France and England.

loyalty to their own institutions. since the neutrality of Belgium

In the midst of all the turmoll could only be guaranteed, if the

of present-day Europe the British three powers, in tiine of peed, could act in concert.

might be excused for observing with some pride that the ma- chinery of constitutional Govern- ment continued to work smoothly and that freedom of person and of thought" was respected and pre- served

In political circles 't was point- ed out that this independent Bel- glan attitude would seriously pre- Judice the signature of the Wes- tern Pact.

Reuter.

MIDDLE PARK STAKES

London, Oct. 15. The Middle Park Stakes' run over six furlongs to-day resulted in a victory for Fair Copy, with Goya II and Streamtown taking second and, third places in a field of seven.

On Thursday morning the pa. Pers not only treat, the Royal Bel- gian announcement prominently, but also deal with its profound Betting: Fair Copy 13 to 8, effects on the European situation. Goya II 5 to 1, Streamtown 30 to 1. The winner romped home by POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION

X

ITALIAN DRIVE IN ABYSSINIA

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Milan, Oct. 15.

SERVICE TO STATE

Mr. Eden added: “In a world in which national prestige is wor- shipped as a golden calf, I trust that we shall take as the standard of our own prestige as a nation our ability to combine tolerance and personal freedom with strong and effecave government"

development.

"Le Jour" writes that Europe will three quarter length, four lengths interpret the Belgian King's an-separating second and third- nouncement as disawowal of the Reuter. Franco-Be'gian policy since 1920, or at least this will be the conclu-

British people would show as sion" drawn by the opponents of

great a readiness to serve the France. But, the "Le Jou".con-

State, when the State existed for

issue. To-morrow, just as yester- tinues, that is not the matter at

the people as when the people existed for the State, and would exert every effort of mind and day, Belgium will defend its Eas- tern frontier against all attacks, The great raing having ceased, body to preserve the legacy of but now Belgium wants to pursue the Italian troops in Abyssinia are j'mind and body to preserve the a purely Belgian policy,

now pushing into the hitherto | legacy of tradition and opportunity "Le Journal" declares that the unoccupied parts of the country, which had come down to them, manifesto of the Belgian King de-states the "Corriere dela Sera" in and strive with persistence for its notes a great political transforma- a report from Addis Ababa. The wider and ruller tion. Belgium declines all political actions are to be carried unilateral obligations and resumes speedily, because during the rainy a policy of stret neutrality. The season of five months the most King not only proclaims the inten-minute detalls have to be carried tion to reject all mutual assistance out. As soon as the whole of pacts, but also to set aside the Abyssinia is occupied, measures on Franco-Belgian treaty. One might a grand scale for ita economic therefore ask how far the national development will begin.- will of Belgium is reconc'lable Transocean News Serosca. with Article 16 of the League' Covenant.

The "Potit Parisien" states that a return to the status of 1914 cer- tainly frees Belgluh from mutual assistance obligations under the opposition from the Flemish Ca-western pact- tholics and the Socialists is to be Transocean News Service. reckoned with. But it is believed that certain concessions will be made to them, and thus the op- position lightened, and the bill will become law. Transocran News Service.

gian army and fortifying the tron- If Belgium is strictly neutral tier was discussed in the Council staff talks between Belgium, France of Ministers over which the King and Britain under the new Locarno himself presided. The period of Pact would be impossible.

service for Infantry was increased Furthermore it would obviously to 18 months and that for the be a violation of Belgium neutrality other army branches to 12 months. for British and French planes For increase of frontier protection, to fly over Belgian territory in the regiments will be stationed at the evant df a European conflict. North-Eastern frontier. It la stat- .Moreover, both Britain anded that the new plan will ensure France would be robbed of the ad- a complete protection of the en- vantage of being able to use Bel-tire frontier. The bill has yet to gian air bases or sound detectors be passed by Parliament, where an in an emergency.—" Renter' Bulletin Sernice.

KING'S STATEMENT

Brussels Oct, 14. Reversion to Belgium's pre-war policy of neutrality was urged by King Leopold in an address to the first full meeting of the Cabinet over which he has presided since his accession to the throne.

"This policy must aim resolutely

BILL FOR PARLIAMENT

Brussels, Oct. 15;" / Abill for reorganisation of the

at placing us outside the confilets | Army, to be submitted to Parlia

ment on October 27, provides for increase of military service to twelve months for the majority and eighteen months for the small section, also mechanisation of cavalry and extension of voluntary service. Reuter

ont Close attachment to their own ima stitutions Mr. Eden said, did not imply any attitude of detachment the affairs of Europeans. from Even if that were destrable. It was not possible. Britain had always played a part in Europe. and

would continue to do so.

SPANISH CRISIS The Foreign Secretary then COPPER PRODUCTION | turned to the Spanish crisis, and, after describing the origins of the London, Oct. 15. non-intervention agreement and I z omcially announced that the reasons why the British Goy- copper production was increased ernment had so strongly support. and "from twenty to Afteen pered the French Government's initia- cent, curtallment will be effective tive, referred to criticisms which to-day ruter.

were being directed against the agreement, and said it is even be-- ing suggested that the time had come to give up this effort. His not Jerusalem, Oct. 15, Majesty's Government did Palestine passed the quietest share that view. The Impatience night in the last six months. revealed in some quarters at the Three cases of sniping were re-slowness of the International Com- ported, but without casualties-mittee method and its work-had. Beuter's Bulletin Servin.

not been balanced by the produc-

PALESTINE QUIET

tion of any practical alternative proposals for dealing with situation.

the

non-intervention.

MR. DUFF. COUPER

British War Minister

AIRWOMAN TO FLY TASMAN SEA

Sydney, Oct. 15. Miss Jean Batten is Aying over the Tasman Sea to-day, but agreed to wait for a favourable weather report before taking off. She carrying no wireless, but has a rubber boat aboard the plane in case of emergency.- Heular's "Bulletin Service.

MOTOR EXHIBITION AT OLYMPIA

He himself was far from en-

London, Oct. 15. dorsing some of the verdicts as to

The Motor Exhibition opened at the effect of the non-interventioni

Exhibits Olympia this morning. agreement up to date úpon the two

of British cara. indicate the parties engaged in the civil con-

standardisation of most of last fict. But, he continued, "let there

year's designs with minor refine- be no doubt of the view of the

ments, but there are several novel Government of this country upod

features in the body and chassis the policy of

In the new models showII.--- His Majesty's Government supperthritish Wireless

That view is Don-Intervention.

held and has

never wavered. We are, for our part, determined to carry out loyally traint.

therefore be to reduce the tem- { our own undertaking and to pro- hote in every way possible theperature. That task, however; be- execution of the terms of the came steadily more dificult in We consider this is Europe where partisan feeling was agreement the best if not the only way to kept at fever heat. The" nations avert dangerous developments had preoccupations enough. which are. Inherent in the Spanish situation."

strongly

Their endeavour

must

Let them beware of adding to them the bitterness of conflict of creeda. No conficts had brought FOREIGN POLICY "

greater suffering to Europe in the The main objectives of Britain's past centuries, and there were no more tragle pages in all its history foreign policy, Mr. Eden reminded his audience, were the elimination than those that recorded them. I of war and the promotion of in- concluding his appeal for national ternational understanding. Nothing unity behind British leadership in was more certain than that in any international affairs, Mr. Eden-de- future war in Europe there wouldclared: "I believe the time will be no victor. It was for the na-

to international co-operation and tions to decide. The path leading tant-when this nation, strong of peace could only be found by the exercise of toleration and

168-

come and it may not be far dis-

arm and strong of purpose, will be able, to turn the scales on the side of peace and freedom.”—___ British Wireless.

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