PEACE OF EUROPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 9

PEACE OF EUROPE.

CRITICISM IN GERMANY.

FRANCE AND A WAR,

THE BILATERAL IDEA.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 10.30 a.m.)

BERLIN, August 14. Political circles are disappointed with the London negotiations, which they consider have not helped to bring to a conclusion a security pact such as Germany desires.

The report that M. Briand and Mr. Chamberlain agreed that Germany must enter the League unconditionally, caused a shock. So has the assertion that France may wage war against Germany in certain eventualities, while the news that Poland and Czecho-Slovakia are likely to be invited to an eventual pact conference is received suspiciously. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, and M. Briand have reported to their respective Cabinets. British Ministers expressed their satisfaction, and their confidence that the conversations will lead to important results.

The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" lays emphasis on the difficulties which confront the German Government in moulding public opinion to acquiescence in an application for membership of the League of Nations without reservations or conditions. It is, he says, believed that American influences in Berlin will be discreetly exercised for the purpose of inducing Germany to seek membership of the League without delay, although it is now too late to expect the entrance of Germany at the September Assembly. The correspondent asserts that similar American influences have been exercised in London of late for the purpose of ensuring truly bilateral character of the pact, and of averting the drawbacks of another "dictated peace."

It is difficult for the French mind to accommodate itself to the bilateral idea. It was left to the British experts to formulate reciprocal clauses, and it proved by no means easy to persuade the French that Germany should be authorised to act in certain flagrant emergencies without the decision of the League as France would act under similar circumstances. —A. and N.Z'— Reuter.) A SECRETARY ROBBED. MONEY AND DOCUMENTS.

(Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 14. The condition of five of the injured is very serious. Others are considered out of danger. The scenes at the wreck were most distressing. The mutilated bodies are at present lying in the hospital mortuary. Gangs of men are busily engaged clearing the track. It is hoped that normal traffic will be restored by noon to-day.

M. Laval (Minister of Public Works) declares that it is impossible at present to make a precise statement regarding the responsibility for the accident. He says he has ordered the release of the enginedriver after examination by a doctor, who made a reservation regard-' ing the mental condition of the driver. He was a man with a good record. He was. found after the smash wandering along the track in a stupefied condition. (A and N.Z. Cable.)