GERMANY AND GENEVA

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20989, 18 October 1933, Page 9

GERMANY AND GENEVA

Britain Blamed for Action NAZI STATEMENT DISTORTION OF DEMANDS ALLEGED (CNiic'-K 1-UF.SS ASSOr lA'I lOX--71V T.l.r.' TRIO Tiif.KGK.U'U -COPYKIC J[T.) (Received October 17, 9.40 p.m.) BERLIN, October 17. Freiherr von Neurath blames Great Britain for Germany's withdrawal from the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference, alleging that details of Germany's demands were forwarded by London to Washington in so distorted a fashion that it looked as if Germany was making new demands. "We adhered to the British plan," he said, "but the British plan is not recognised even by its originators. Sir John Simon asserts we went beyond our former claims. That is not correct. I repudiate the attempt to place on us the responsibility which should fall on others."

Peaceful Settlement Wanted. Dr. P. J. Goebbels, Minister for Propaganda, assured foreign reporters that the election referendum would be absolutely free. Strict democracy would be observed. Germany would harbour no territorial grievances against France when the Saar was returned. Dr. Goebbels said that no central European problem justified war; nevertheless, the Polish Corridor could not be permanent. Germany would not rest until she recovered 'it, preferably by negotiation. German newspapers have been officially warned not to indulge in violent attacks on Britain, but to confine the necessary hostile comments to individual ministers.

MOTIVES FOR HITLER'S ACTION ENGLISH INTERPRETATION

"WAYS OF SWASH-BUCKLER AND HOTHEAD" (Mirnsu official v.-ni-LEss.) RUGBY, October 16. News of Saturday's developments was received with complete calm in London, where the announcement of Germany's withdrawal from both the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations was attributed to a desire to create the maximum impression in Germany. Hcrv Hitler's explanation of his action is generally regarded as entirely unconvincing, particularly as the proposed convention, so far from inflicting humiliation on Germany, would be designed to confer upon her the equality which she demands at the end of eight years. "The Times" says: "It is the plain duty of other Governments to show Herr Hitler that the ways of a swash-buckler and hothead will bring him no success in diplomacy.

"The German Chancellor has chosen the very moment when negotiations seemed nearer to an agreed conclusion than ever before to make his announcement. The .new situation is not to be met by the countries which Germany has defied acting either hurriedly or singly. The best way to recreate hopes of removing one potent cause of world unrest is to put into final shape an agreement which will be open to Germany and reduce it for public consumption to the simplest terms."

The "Daily Telegraph" states: "This is not the time for alarmist agitation. No grounds exist for any fear that peace is endangered by this latest and most sensational proof of the spirit by which German policy is guided under the Nazi dictatorship. All that has been done to mitigate the consequences of defeat and humiliation for Germany has counted for nothing."

RESIGNATION FROM LEAGUE DELAYED HITLER BELIEVED TO BE WAITING VIENNA, October 17. Germany has not yet forwarded her formal resignation from the League of Nations, and the belief is growing that Herr Hitler is waiting for the powers' next move before ho commits himself irrevocably. ' It is understood that Signer Mussolini is doing his utmost to induce liim to change his policy. DISSATISFACTION IN HUNGARY ( -O>,STI,TI. TJONAL ACTION ADVISED BUDAPEST, October Hi. Earlier givsip suggested that Hungary would follow Germany's lead if the Trianon Treaty frontiers were not revised, but official politi-*-al pronouncements discourage this view as leading nowhere, while influential newspapers urge the seeking of reforms by constitution'.! means through the League of Nations.

APPROVAL OF FORMER AMSTERDAM, October 16. The former Kaiser approves of Germany's withdrawal from the of Nations as thoroughly ■logical in view of the long drawnnut injustice in the treatment of He will not return to the fatherland, realising that it has other things to consider than the J <-'storation. of the monarchy.