FLANDIN AND HITLER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 16, 29 October 1938, Page 7

FLANDIN AND HITLER.

EXCHANGE OF MESSAGES. SOCIALIST’S COMPLAINT. PARIS, October 13. The disclosure of an exchange of telegrams between Herr Hitler and M. Flandin, a former Prime Minister of Franco and now leader of the Democratic Alliance, caused a sensation in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. A Socialist Deputy, M. Grumbacli, said that Herr Hitler had telegraphed to M. Flandin on October 2, saying: “I thank you for your friendly congratulations . I am grateful to you for your efforts in favour of an understanding and complete FVanco-German collaboration. I hope they will have wider consequences. With best greetings.” M. Grumbach protested that M. Flandin had not communicated the telegrams to the press, and he asked M. Bonnet whether it was not improper for a former Prime Minister to be in direct touch with the head of a foreign State at a time when important negotiations were taking place. He demanded an inquiry. M. Bonnet did not reply, but M. Flandin retorted that, if necessary, he would defend his action in the Chamber.

During the crisis last month, M. Flandin led a campaign in opposition to the entrance of France into a war for the Czechs. He threatened to call to Paris deputies who shared his views and to start a general movement against M. Daladicr unless lie convened the Chamber.