NO-WAR PACT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 38, 24 November 1938, Page 5

NO-WAR PACT

FRANCE AND GERMANY AGREE.

COMPLETION OF THE DOCUMENT.

SIMILAR TO BRITISH. TERMS.

(United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) PARIS, November 23.

It is officially announced that the Franco-German No-War Pact, similar to the Anglo-German Agreement, has been completed, and will be published shortly. The German Foreign Minister (Herr von, Ribbentrop) will visit Paris in connection with the pact.

THREE PRINCIPLES ACCEPTED.

NO’ NEW CLAIMS TO BE MADE

(Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, November 23

The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says that the French Foreign Minister (M. Bonnet), announcing the conclusion of the Franco-Ger-man agreement this evening, said it embraces:

Firstly, recognition of the present frontiers. Secondly, consultation instead of war in the event of disputes. Thirdly, no new claims by either country.

THE ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN.

MR CHAMBERLAIN CONCERNED.

DELAY IN APPEASEMENT

(Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, November 23

The diplomatic correspondent of the Australian Associated Press says that the Franco-German Pact was approved by Britain, to which it W'as referred by France before completion of the draft. Germany also advised Britain of the Intention of Herr von Ribbentrop to visit Paris shortly before the formal signing. Germany was most anxious that the announcement of the pact should be made last week, but, backed by strong pressure from Britain, France secured postponement until the day of the departure of British Cabinet Ministers for Paris. It was feared that an earlier announcement would possibly have affected the talks in Paris. Although Britain officially approves the pact, in accordance with the policy of removing the old Franco-German prejudices, there is reason for believing she regarded it with some suspicion.

It is suggested that Mr Chamberlain is concerned over Germany’s delay in implementing the spirit of appeasement enunciated' in the agreement signed at Munich, and hopes to remind Herr Hitler of this by announcing new wideembracing talks with France. If this is so, the Pact may be regarded as a German effort to reply by forestalling the talks.

This is not the only ground for suspicion. The Pact does not suggest revision of what is described as “Mean Kampf” and- does not mention the Franco-Russian alliance and control of the French press, about which Germany previously expressed most decided views.

Reports from Berlin state that Germany is still hopeful that France will become virtually Fascist. Possibly she is pinning hopes on M. Flandin, because M. Larocquo is now of no consequence. Doubtless Germany would relish a three-Power alliance excluding Britain, but it has to be remembered that Germany has still to explain the continued vicious attacks by the press against Britain, also why Britain is blamed for the murder of Dr. von Rath in France.

MR CHAMBERLAIN WELCOMED.

DEMONSTRATION BY COMMUNISTS

(Received This Day, 12.50 p.m.) PARIS, November 23

The Premier (M. Daladier) and the Foreign Minister (M. Bonnett) with a representative of the President (M. Lebrun) greeted Mr Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax. Cheering crowds lined the beflagged route from the Gare du Nord to the British Embassy, but the reception in the vicinity of the station was mixed. A solid section of Communists, with upraised fists, cried “Down with Munich ! ;hc betrayer of Czechoslovakia! Vive M. Eden 1” The protests threatened momentarily to lead to disorder, but after vigorous action by the police the crowd dispersed .