Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1937. BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 36, 22 November 1937, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1937. BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Though the visit of Viscount Halifax to Germany may be strictly unofficial, the important position, that of Lord President of the Council, which he holds in the British Cabinet invests the occasion with a significance far greater than that attaching to the journeyings of most public men. The fact that before his departure Lord Halifax had conversations with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary shows that his personal contact with Herr Hitler and other members of the German Government is regarded as having possibilities of influence on the relationship between the two countries. Whatever may be the opinion of British people regarding Nazi policy and actions, there is no room for doubt that the cultivation of friendliness between the two countries is essential in the interests of world peace. A wide knowledge of the aims, aspirations and difficulties of the other party assssts greatly in the prevention of disputes or differences and facilitates the settlement of such as may arise. As far as the British Government is concerned the present visit is regarded .as purely one of goodwill, seeking no alteration in the alignments in Europe. This aspect has been authoritatively stated on both sides. Mr Chamberlain has stressed the British friendship with France and America and the German leaders have stated with equal clarity that the Berlin-Rome axis and the anti-Communist triangle will remain unshakable. Between these boundaries there is plenty of room for betterment of conditions because existing friendships, which are not exclusive, are neither disturbed nor endangered by preparations for fresh relationships. The trouble in negotiations or conversations with Germany is that the Government does not truly reflect the opinion of the people. From time to time visitors from Britain and other parts of the British Commonwealth have remarked on the friendliness of the people, whose political opinions, however, are made entirely subservient to the official view. Official Germany has showed itself somewhat hypersensitive to foreign criticism apd quick to take action that increases rather than tends to diminish the cause of difference. Not so very long ago a projected visit to England by the German Foreign Minister (Baron von Neurath) was cancelled as the result of some criticism which had appeared in the British Press. With every desire to promote the friendliest relations, British diplomacy has been constantly frustrated by this mentality. It has nevertheless persevered. If the visit of Lord Halifax assists to promote a more friendly feeling based on a wider knowledge of each other’s outlook, it will be a great factor in preserving the peace of Europe, and advancing the truest interests of the two countries.