FRENCH RUMOURS DENIED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21715, 24 February 1936, Page 11

FRENCH RUMOURS DENIED

German Designs On Rhineland SUSPICION IN PARIS (utfITED PSES3 ASSOCIATIOK—oOPIKIGHr.) (Received February 23, 9.50 p.m.) PARIS, February 22. The German communique declaring that the Franco-Soviet pact violates the Locarno treaty is causing alarm, the newspapers anticipating that Germany intends to use the pact as an excuse to move troops to the Rhineland.

The Berlin correspondent of "Midi" expresses the opinion that the growing Italo-German friendship is reported to be deeply impressing the Balkan countries. A French Foreign Office spokesman says that France will not accept the German thesis that the Franco-Soviet pact contravenes the Locarno treaty; and it's ratification cannot serve as an excuse for the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, as the terms only provide for mutual assistance in the event of Germany's unprovoked aggression, after normal league procedure. The Belgian Ambassador has asked M. Fland' i (French Foreign Minister) about the French attitude if Germany retorted to the Franco-Soviet pact by a denunciation of the Locarno treaty and by military measures.

French Position It is reported from London that the Paris correspondent of the "Observer" says that in the event of German repudiation of the demilitarisation clauses of the Locarno treaty, it is expected that France will appeal to the league, and look to Britain to honour her Locarnc obligations. Moreover, if Germany presses for a "peaceful" revision of the Locarno treaty, and if France receives other guarantees of security, she might agree to German troops reoccupying the demilitarised zone, but would oppose the building of fortifications by Germany. This would increase the danger of war, enabling 300,000 men to hold the frontier, and freeing the rest of. the armies to begin an eastern war of conquest. The Berlin correspondent of the "Observer" says that an official spokesman denies the French rumours about the Rhineland, including the rumours that Herr Hitler conferred with his generals on the matter. The correspondent adds: "Germany has more important things to ,do than to plunge into war. Therefore Germany welcomes the French concern. She is apparently playing on the fears of French politicians in order to increase the difficulty of ratification of the Franco-Russian pact, but would not denounce demilitarisation of the Rhir.eland, owing to fears of severe repercussions in Europe. Germany is active in other directions, planning to increase her political influence, and to secure larger markets in the Balkans." It is reported from Rome that Italy does not consider the FrancoSoviet pact conflicts with the Locarno treaty, but this view might be reversed. v

FRENCH UNEASINESS ABOUT PACT

SCENE IN CHAMBER VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN PREMIER PARIS, February 21. The Premier (M. Sarraut) receiyed an overwhelming vote of confidence by 380 votes to 151 in a snap division on the suppression of Royalist leagues. The Opposition accused the Government of holding the scales unevenly between the Right and Left organisations, declaring that M. Sarraut was a prisoner of the socialists, as he wanted a quick ratification of the Franco-So-viet pact. M. Sarraut replied that the attack on M. Blum was the outcome of a long campaign of provocation, similar to that which caused the assassination of M. Jaures on the outbreak of the war. M. Franklin-Bouillon accused M. Sarraut of responsibility for the assassination of King Alexander.

The Premier retorted: "Blackguard." On the resumption of the sitting of the Chamber, M. Franklin-Bouillon provoked a fresh scene, attacking M. Sarraut, and declaring that he indulged in the vocabulary of a fishwife instead of that of a Prime Minister.

He demanded an apology. Friends interposed and secured a settlement. A violent incident occurred in the lobbies, where a member of the right wing, M. Henriot, clashed with a communist deputy, M. Ramette, who slapped his face. M. Henriot is seeking a remedy through the courts. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Mail" regards the debate as indicating a growing feverish temperature because of M. Sarraut's alliance with the communists, and fears of increased communist propaganda if the Franco-Soviet pact is ratified.

The newspapers print instructions from the communist international, allegedly sent to French communists, ordering agitation in the army, transport, and mail services, and preparations for the suppression of fascists, of whom secret lists should be drawn up.