GERMAN DEMANDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 39, 25 November 1937, Page 5

GERMAN DEMANDS

PROPOSALS MADE TO BRITAIN. A FREE HAND IN AUSTRIA. REORGANISING CZECHOSLOVAKIA. THE COLONIAL QUESTION. fUnited Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, November 24. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian”. summarises the German demands as outlined to Viscount Halifax by Herr Hitler as follow: (1) Germany is willing to rejoin the League of Nations on condition that the Covenant is redrafted, the sanctions clauses amended, every connection between tbe League and the peace treaties severed, the war-guilt clause cancelled, and Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia recognised by Britain. (2) Britain to consent to a reorganisation of Czechoslovakia on the model of the Swiss federal system, with “Sudetenland’’ (inhabited by the German minority, receiving a status analogous to that of a. Swiss canton. (3) Britain to pledge herself to, refrain from giving Austria any diplomatic, political, or military assistance. (4) Germany pledges herself to refrain from raising the’ colonial issue for six years if Britain ( in return will pledge herself to assist (Germany in recovering her former colonies when the six years are over.' Germany promises not to establish naval’ or military bases in her former colonies. i t . (5) Germany promises to do her best to restore peace in Spain when the British Government has given de jure recognition to the Salamanca Government. '• v’ . .. . . (6) Germany ’promises to do her best to restore peace in the Far East. Germany also demands a revision of the minorities’ treaties. “Acceptance of the German proposals,” says the “Manchester Guardian ’ “will mean a crisis for British and French proposals.” In a leading article, the “Manchester Guardian” says : “Britain clearly will not accept a programme under which she is invited to barter her interests and duty in Central Europe. She will be less disposed to do so when she reflects on what acceptance would mean to the European countries which still look to Britain as a friend and champion in upholding international right and order. “What Germany demands is a. free hand in Austria and Czechoslovakia. Although Britain has an interest in both countries, she is .virtually asked to recognise Austria and Czechoslovakia as German ‘spheres of interest.’”

A CLOSER UNDERSTANDING. MR CHAMBERLAIN’S STATEMENT CONVERSATIONS CONFIDENTIAL. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, November 24. Mr Chamberlain .told the House of Commons that' he " was satisfied Dol’d Halifax’s visit to Germany had been valuable and furthered the desire of both countries for a closer mutual understanding. The conversations were confidential and the House could not expect a further statement, but no pledges were given. Mr Chamberlain added that France was at present not informed of the details of the conversations, speculations on which were irresponsible and highly inaccurate. It was understood that the conversations with Germany would at present remain confidential. ANGLO-FRENCH DISCUSSION. CLAIMS TO BE CONSIDERED. LONDON, November 24. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the questions of colonies, Austria, Czechoslovakia and the general, central European situation will be included in London discussions with M. Camille Chautemps (Prime Minister of France) and M. Yvon Delbos (Foreign Minister). All these questions figured in the talks between Herr Hitler and Lord Halifax. Herr Hitler is believed. to have emphasised that if the Britisu and French Governments did not interfere in Danubian questions Germany would not strive for territorial expansion and would refrain from resorting to the use of physical force. It is understood that Germany is demanding immediate recognition of her right to own colonies, but will not press for the return of the territories taken from her, at least until various central European problems have been satisfactorily settled. FRENCH POLITICAL OPINION. THE FORTHCOMING TALKS. (Received This Day, 10.55 a.m.) PARIS, November 24. Political circles recall Mr Nevihe Chamberlain’s speech at the Guildhall on November 9, in.which lie suggested that restoration of confidence and security might be more hopefully pursued by informal discussions than by a public declaration. It is expected that the* Anglo-French talks will cover a wider field than Viscount Halifax’s talks with Germany. The visit to London of the Premier

(M. Chautemps) and the Foreign Minister (M. Delbos) has been fixed for November 29 and 30. STRENGTHENING OF GOODWILL. GERMANY WELCOMES MEETINGS. (Received This Day, 10.55 a.m.) BERLIN, November 24. An official spokesman said that Germany would welcome any steps or meetings” of statesmen likely to strengthen goodwill between nations, LORD HALIFAX TO REPORT. 'LONDON,, November 23. Viscount Halifax, who has returned from Germany, had half an hour’s audience with the King at Buckingham Palace after a meeting of tho Privy Council. Lord Halifax will report on his visit to Germany at a meeting of the Cabinet to-morrow, after which the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) will make a statement in the House of Commons.—British Official Wireless.