GERMANY'S FEELINGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 127, 11 March 1935, Page 5

GERMANY'S FEELINGS

BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT. THE BRITISH WHITE PAPER. THE SPIRIT OF VERSAILLES. (.United Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, February 10. “The British White Paper has not caused indignation in Germany, hut disappointment,” said Herr Ribbentrop (Herr Hitler’s plenipotentiary for disarmament) when interviewed by Mr Ward Price for the “Daily Mail.” “No German understands its publication or. the eve of Sir John Simon’s visit, which we thought marked a new spirit of confidential consultation,” said Herr Ribbentrop. “Germany understands that Britain must be strong in a highly-armed world. No German holds Britain responsible for the general increase in armaments. Accordingly we do not understand why she blames Germany for Britain’s increase. Moreover, under the Peace Treaty Germany destroyed and surrendered almost her entire fleet and broke up 56,000 guns, many millions of rifles, 275,000 machine-guns and 39,000,000 grenades. jShe also dismantled every aeroplane, ploughed up aerodromes and destroyed railway platforms. Thus disarmed, she awaited fulfilment by other nations of their disarmament obligations. On the contrary they continued rearming. “The White Paper’s references to Germany are neither true in fact noi politically necessary. The German Government particularly resented the attempt to establish a distinction between Herr Hitler’s declarations and intentions and the tendency of German publio opinion, especially regaiding the training of German youth. “Germany will always he ready to collaborate with other nations, particularly Britain, with whom Germany, especially Herr Hitler, deeply and sincerely desires good relations. But the spirit of the Treaty of Versailles must entirely disappear. Only a completely free and equal State can negotiate reliant agreements with other sovereign States.”

THE INVITATION RENEWED. CONDITIONAL ON RECOVERY. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) BERLIN, March 10. Herr von Neurath invited Sir John Simon tc- visit Berlin between March 24 and March 30, provided Herr Hitler has recovered.