GERMAN REPLY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 206, 13 June 1936, Page 5

GERMAN REPLY

FORECAST OF ITS NATURE.

ATTITUDE 0N PEACE PLAN.

SEPARATE NEGOTIATIONS.

United Press AssociationmCopyright) LONDON, J 11119 12. The Berlin correspondent of “The _Times” says that the German reply to the British questionairre is expected to reach London next week. It will probably suggest an oral discussion as _the best method of negotiation. It is unlikely to commit Germany to acceptance of the present territorial arrangements in Europe. Genuine lasting peace, it is held, cannot be based on territorial arrangements forced upon Germany by the Versailles Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest plebiscites among the Germans of neighbouring land. For the same general reason, the question whether Germany has yet reached equality of rights is also likely to be: answered in the negative.

The Versailles Treaty, it is argued, is» nominally based‘ on self—determination, but that principle has never yet been appleid to the German people. Anything Herr Hitler may contrive to do in. Austria. might therefore be represented 'as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles peace was concluded.

The reply is expected freely. to Irefer to the Franco—Soviet Treaty, which. Germany holds has revolutionised thet European situation, making the general limitation of armaments impossible at presentualthough it is argue?» that this is no reason why a start should not be made with prohibition of the largest guns and tanks, and the negotiation of a. \Vesteru air pact.

The German Government is uncompromising in preferring to deal with each country or group of countries separately. It .has not the slightest desire to participate in a. general congress of powers. In such ,a, gathering she fears that she might find herself arguing her caSe singlehanded‘ against « countries which stand close against its successful prosecution.

The reply will also probably indicate that Germany. is in no hurry to join the League.