HITLER'S COLD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 6 March 1935, Page 7

HITLER'S COLD.

BRITISH VISIT OFF. Reaction to White Paper in Germany. CHANCELLOR IN ILL-HEALTH. (United T.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LOXDOX, March 5. Sir John Simon's visit to Berlin has been postponed at the request of Herr Hitler, who is suffering from a cold. A lengthy postponement of the conversations is not indicated. Evening papers publish a photograph of Herr Hitler, hatless and wearing a light overcoat, cheerfully chatting with an official at the Motor Show on Monday. The "Xaehtausgabe," with unconscious irony, prints the picture next the laconic announcement of Herr Hitler's indisposition. The "Sun-Herald' , representative says that while cynics decline that "Hitler caught cold between the sheets of the White Paper,' , British official comment is limited to a telegram from Sir Eric Phipps, British Ambassador, who wirelessed that possibly Herr Hitler's indisposition was more serious than was generally believed. It is known that he has been in illhealth for the past year, but this was withheld from the German people. His \lsit to Saarbrucken at the week-end without an overcoat and in drenching rain may have aggravated the trouble. On the contrary if the White Paper is responsible for the postponement of Sir John Simon's visit., the British Government will take a most disquieting view, realising that nothing is likely to emerge from the consultations because that would constitute a further German attempt to create a cleavage between Britain and France. The "News-Chronicle," in a lender. says that the White Paper has almost extinguished the hopes kindled by the Franco-British conversations. Herr Hitler's diplomatic illness reflects the disastrous recrudescence of German suspicion and fear of encirclement. Herr Hitler doubtless wants time to reconsider the position. The British Government, in 24 hours, says the paper, has immeasurably worsened the international situation. The force of pacific public opinion may yet recall it to its senses. Storm of Protest in Germany. Newspapers In Berlin publish only short summaries of the White Paper. Leading articles regarding the White Paper, which is resented throughout Germany, amount to a storm of protest. Britain's action is generally described as unfriendly. "Angriff" sees in it an attempt to intimidate Germany, on thp eve of negotiations, by attributing Britain's rearmament to Germany's spirit, and adds: It is a piece of antiquated diplomacy which lias failed to achieve its purpose. Paris newspapers generally approve the" White Paper. "Petit Pafisien" says Britain makes clear her ardent desire for peace and does not go to the point of closing her eyes to the total militarisation of the Keich. "Echo de Paris" hopes Britain's example will opeu M. Flandin's eyes to the immediate necessity of extending military service, but is insufficient as a reply to German armaments. By similar measures it is necessary to unite the pacific peoples of Europe. The publication of the White Paper is regarded as significant, in view of Sir John Simon's coming visit to Berlin, also of the corresponding French defence measures. It is hoped, that Germany will rightly read the writing on the wall.

DEFENCE NEEDS.

BRITISH POLICY JUSTIFIED

LONDON, March 5

"The Times" says the necessity for the increases in the Defence Estimates is proved. The foundation for limiting armaments, in spite of three years' efforts, has not been laid yet. The negotiations to be carried on by Sir John Simon and Mr. Anthony Eden afford the best prospects of establishing a system that will result in a diminution of national contingents. The negotiations should be conducted in order to obtain a settlement acceptable to all.

Britain still proclaims her confidence in the ultimate triumph of peaceful efforts.

The "News-Chronicle" political correspondent says he is authoritatively informed that the Government is planning a total increase in defence expenditure of approximately £60,000,000 during the next four or five years.

COPY OF WHITE PAPER.

RECEIVED IN NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The White Taper on Empire defence issued by the British Government was received by the New Zealand Government last'evening. The Minister of Finance, Mr. J. G. Coatcs, said the contents of the paper had been covered very fully by the cabled messages to the" Press from London, and that no vital points had been omitted.

The Cabinet lias not had an opportunity of considering the statement, and until the Government as a whole had discussed the British proposals nothing could be said about them.