The Archive · 1939

Form, Not Substance

London, June 1.

Now that the full text of the speech of M. Molotov, Soviet Premier and Foreign Commissar, has been received in"PÓndon, the impression prevails in British official circles that the differences between the British and Soviet viewpoints are differences of form rather than of substance, according to Reuter's Diplomatic Correspondent.

Until the actual reply of the Soviet Government is received. it will uct.be possible to say how im-Dortant these questions of form are.

So far az the references to the League of Nations are concerned, it s not expected that any serious divergence will occur with a state Which has been such an untiring supporter of League principles.

As regards the Baltic States and the question of a guarantee, the Britis hold that every state has a right to its integrity and independence, and that it would be a matter of principle not to force a guarantee upon any state unwilling to accept it.

British opinion finds that all acts of aggression are hateful.—Reuter.

Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.

Your account