Study Sources D and E. SOURCE D Sir Samuel Hoare has told us of the determination of Britain to keep to the system of collective security. France receives these words with great satisfaction. I rejoice with all my country, for my country fully understands the need for close collaboration with Britain for the defence of the peace of Europe. The solidarity in all circumstances which is implied by such a declaration constitutes a great date in the history of the League. France is loyal to the Covenant. The Covenant is our international law. Our obligations are inscribed in the Covenant. France will not evade them. Laval speaking to the Assembly of the League, September 1935. SOURCE E On 10 September I had conversations with Sir Samuel Hoare and Mr Eden. We discussed, in that spirit of close co-operation that is always the case with British and French statesmen, the grave situation of the Italian-Abyssinian war. We found ourselves in instant agreement about ruling out military sanctions, not adopting a naval blockade and never considering the closure of the Suez Canal. We agreed to rule out anything that might lead to war. We also agreed that other measures such as an embargo on arms should first be submitted to a committee which had not yet been set up, and then that other measures such as refusal to buy from or sell to Italy might be adopted. Laval speaking to the French Parliament, 28 December 1935. He is reporting about an agreement he made with Britain on 10 September 1935 that had been kept secret until this speech. Hoare was in charge of British foreign policy but had to resign on 18 December 1935 and was succeeded by Eden.