GERMAN REPLY.
TERMS FORECAST. Objection to Franco-Soviet Pact Expected. VERSAILLES OBJECTIONS. United l'ress Association.—Cojjyrislit. LONDON", June 12. The Berlin correspondent of "The Times" says the German reply to the British questionnaire is expected to reach London next week. Probably it will suggest an oral discussion as the best method of negotiation. It is not likely to commit Germany to the acceptance of the present territorial arrangements in Europe. Genuine and lasting peace, it is held by Germany, cannot be based 011 territorial arrangements forced upon her by the Versailles Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest plebiscites among Germans of neighbouring lands. For the same general reason the question whether Germany has yet reached equality of rights is also likely to be answered in the negative. Tlio Versailles Treaty, it is argued, was nominally based on selfdetermination, but that principle has never been applied yet to the German people.
Anything Herr Hitler may contrive to do in regard to Austria might, therefore, be represented as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles peace was concluded. The reply is expected freely to refer to the Franco-Soviet treaty, which Germany holds has revolutionised the European situation, making a general limitation of armaments impossible at present, although it is argued that this is 110 reason why a start should not be made with the prohibition of the largest guns and tanks and with the conclusion of a Western Air Pact.
The German Government is uncompromising in preferring to deal with each country, or group of countries, separately. It has not the slightest desire to participate in a general congress of the Powers. In such a gathering Germany fears she might find herself arguing her case single-handed against countries which stand to lose by its successful prosecution.
The reply also probably will indicate that Germany is in 110 hurry to rejoin the League.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19360613.2.60
Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 9
Word Count
312GERMAN REPLY. Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 9
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Auckland Star. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Auckland Libraries.