GERMAN VIEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 130, 4 June 1935, Page 7

GERMAN VIEWS.

Discussions on European

Affairs. NAVAL CONVERSATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12 noon.) RUGBY, June 3. The replies of the German Government to inquiries made by the British Ambassador in Berlin for more precise information on several matters dealt with in Herr Plitler's recent speech, have now been received in London, and are receiving the close attention of the British Government. The German Government's , memorandum on the bearing of the recent FrancoSoviet agreement on the Locarno treaties is also being examined by the appropriate Government Departments.

Herr von Ribbentrop, the German emissary, met British Ministers this afternoon, when he made courtesy calls on the Foreign Secretary and later met the Prime Minister and the First Lord of the Admiralty.

The "Daily Telegraph" states that Herr von Ribbentrop, whose status is enhanced by Herr Hitler's grant to hjm of plenipotentiary powers, is not only instructed as regards the naval negotiations, but has full knowledge' of Herr Hitler's views on the possibilities of an air pact.

Germany wishes to make the Looarno Treaty the basis of any international treaty, not the Covenant of the League of Nations. No British Minister will take part in the naval talks, but in view of the coming naval limitation conference, Britain will be interested to know the details of Herr Hitler's proposed navy.

The 35 per cent of British tonnage mentioned to Sir John Simon is threefold or fourfold the Navy Germany has at present. During the talks with Herr Ribbentrop the British Foreign Oflice will be represented by Mr. R. L. Craigie, Counsellor.