THE BERLIN TALKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 41, 27 November 1937, Page 7

THE BERLIN TALKS.

SOME ANXIETY IN EUROPE.

REASSURANCE BY BRITAIN. tUnited Press Association—Copyright., LONDON, November 26. The “Daily Herald” says the British Foreign Office is trying withput success to allay the intense alarm in Central and Eastern Europe and Fi ance resulting from the secrecy surroundfng the talks between Herr Hitler and Lord Halifax. Every capital yesterday .and last night was seething ,with rumours, none of which could be officially denied,- an no one outside the British Cabinet and several officials knows what was said at Berchtesgaden. • Ambassadors called on Mr Eden (Foreign Secretary) and Sir Robert Vansittart (permanent head of the Foreign Office) hoping for some, crumb of comfort. The only answer* they got was .< “There is no need for.arixiety.” ' : ' Lord Halifax’s visit to Berlin is still regarded as promising, states, .the Berlin correspondent of “The Times.” In the first British and German contacts, Lord Halifax is said to have, succeeded in giving .the impression of sympathy and fairness without committing himself to approval or disapproval, of German views;" and it ishoped that the friendly (atmosphere created will- not be dissipated . before the tiine' collies to’ diseUtes 1 , coficrete problems’on ! a more "Official basis. Official German View'. Official German. commentators, however/are not unduly optimistic,'Thej’ emphasise that the- main eonsidreation. is that British and German relations must be removed from the..Vei\- ; sailles basis to one of complete equality of rights. Herr Hitler’s declared policy is to obtain peacefully the restitutions German}* desires, hut an attempt to keep Germany in a collective strait-jacket on the pretext that she carinbt.be trusted can only, in the German view, provoke ,an explosion. ... It is realised that Britain cannot act regardless of her relations with France. But; it is argued, it would be both simple and advantageous for Britain to come to an agreement with Germany which would be compatible with British interests.) If Britain acknowledged Germany’s right to her former colonies, she would not, it is stated, be harassed for their immediate return, . .. • - '■

Moreover, if Britain agreed that Germany should enjoy a privileged position in Central and South-Eastern Europe, she could be certain of Continental peace, and would have a. free hand to attend the interests of an Empire which, as Germany sees it, is menaced at so many points.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” understands that Lord Halifax will participate in the British and French discussions. He will give his impressions of the talks, with Herr Hitler. .

The Spanish war will doubtless be mentioned in the. London conversations, but .rather from the angle of Mediterranean security than that of the hostilities themselves. Neither London nor Paris believes that the time for mediation has been reached. Consequently there is no. desire to vary the procedure of the NonIntervention Committee.

Positive discussions may be directed toward harmonising policy bn the questions involved at Shanghai.