SERIOUS BLOW TO LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20988, 17 October 1933, Page 9

SERIOUS BLOW TO LEAGUE

SOME REMAINING OBLIGATIONS ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT CAUTIOUS ACTION URGED (UJ.TI.EB PRESS ASSOCIATION—BY r.UtCI IUC TEI.EGRA.rU—COP Yr.IGHT.) (Received October 10, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, October 16. The "Daily Telegraph" says that Germany is still a signatory to the Locarno Treaty and remains bound by the Kcllogg Pact. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the league has suffered a disastrous shock now that Germany has followed Japan, while Russia and Ihe United States are standing apart from the league. The "Daily Herald" says the crisis has come. If it is rightly handled the worst consequences can be avoided. Germany was not asked to negotiate a compromise, but to accept humiliation. If the conference continues and can produce a convention which gives genuine substanial disarmament, then the disaster of the week-end can be retrieved. If a sham convention is made nothing lies ahead but suicidal wars.

The "Daily Mail" says Germany has given a distinct shock to the league, which will be left tottering if four out of seven great powers are outside li. The Government ought to be particularly careful to keep in .step with public opinion here and in the Dominions. The Government's task is to see that the Empire is not. involved if the powers take steps against Germany.

EFFECT OF MOVE HITLER'S BRILLIANT TACTICS NATION'S CONFIDENCE IN LEADER (Received October Id, o.'M p.m.; LONDON, October la. The Berlin correspondent of "The Times" pays a tribute to Herr Hitler's swift decision and brilliant stroke, which has distracted attention from the unsatisfactory nature of the Reichstag fire trial, stimulated support for the Government, provided a vote of confidence on the issue of the national honour. and rid the Reichstag of the relies of the party system. The whole nation sighs with relief in the conviction that it possesses a leader capable of calling the bluff of the other powers, and of refusing further participation m an international farce.

WHITEHALL NOT EXCITED BRITISH CRITICISM OF ACTION REARMING EN'THINKABLE

LONDON, October 15. That the Germans are again misjudging world psychology arid have done something extremely temperamental and foolish about represent:; the view of Whitehall, where an almost Sabbath calm prevails, apart from communications from Geneva and Eu2-opean embassies, of which Mr Ramsay MaeDona!d is constantly informed. "There is no reason why London should get excited." was one comment. Sweden regaids Germany's resignation from the League of Nations as endangering world peace, because it will entail the resumption of the armament race. Belgium anxiously awaits events. The Hungarian opposition press approves Hcrr Hitler's decision. The Polish opposition press urges a united front against Germany to preclude a world war. Sir Thomas Inskip, in a speech at Rowland Castle, said the league would survive Germany's departure, as it did Japan's, but no doubt it w-oulrl be weaker. The league would never survive the departure of Great Britain. Professor Gilbert idm-ray emphasises that Germany cannot leave the league for two years and can only give notice of withdrawal. Meanwhile much may happen. Germany does net gam her Irecdo'm. as it,"is inconceivable that the league will allow her to rearm and continue teaching her youth, that war is their natural aim and ambition.

AUSTRIA RELIEVED SLACKENING Ol' I'll ESS IRE LIKELY (Received October 16. t).2 p.m.) VIENNA. October !">. It is believed that Germany's preoccupation with the Geneva decision will prevent her from bothering about the conquest of Austria, 'the socialist newspaper, "Dor 'Jag, declares that ilerr Hitler ran amok and threw down the u> the civilised world, which was united against Hitlerism because nobody knew what explosion might arise from its diseased psychology.

HITLER'S PEACE MESSAGE WITHDRAWN GENEVA, October 15. Herr Hitler has withdrawn a pacific message which was to have been read at this evening's mass meeting of world peace agencies.