French Demand Not Supported

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21729, 11 March 1936, Page 11

French Demand Not Supported

The Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) has now made the statement, eagerly awaited in Europe, of Britain's attitude towards Germany's reoccupation of the demilitarised Rhineland and towards the German proposals for non-aggression pacts. Briefly, the British attitude is that while the German violation of the Locarno Treaty must be regarded seriously, as shaking confidence in any future negotiations with Germany, Herr Hitler's proposals must be studied without prejudice in an effort to secure a new basis for peace. France maintains her demand for the withdrawal of German troops from the Rhineland before she will consent to negotiate. It is considered in Berlin that a withdrawal is out of the question. The British attitude is welcomed in Berlin. One newspaper refers to "formal condemnation of the German step and the necessary consoling words for France." Satisfaction is expressed that Britain does not regard the occupation of the Rhineland as a hostile act: referring to Mr Eden's statement that Germany's action must not be interpreted as implying a threat of hostilities. It is believed that the attitude of British and Dominions representatives at the League .Council meeting )»n Friday will be to condemn the German denunciation of the-LJjcarno Treaty, but to resist any French or Belgian demands for sanctions against Germany. There is disappointment in France at the news that Britain is prepared to examine objectively Herr Hitler's proposals; and it is claimed that by not joining France in insisting that Germany should withdraw from the Rhineland, Britain is accepting Herr Hitler's fait accompli.