BELGIAN DESIRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21733, 16 March 1936, Page 11

BELGIAN DESIRES

OBTAINING SECURITY IN WESTERN EUROPE BRITISH CONTRIBUTION WANTED (UNITED PEESB ASSOCIATION—COPTaiONT.) (Received March 15, 8 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. “The Times” says that M. Paul van Zeeland (Prime Minister of Belgium) submitted a report to the conference of Locarno Treaty signatories, the discussion of which occupied most of the time of the conference. It included: (1) The unanimous recognition of Germany s violation Of freely accepted treaty obligations; (2) the unanimous agreement of the delegations that the crisis must not become a step on the road to war; (3) the question of a British contribution towards the security of the Western powers, and particularly of France and Belgium, which were now isolated from Germany by her action. EMPIRE POSITION DOMINIONS EXEMPTED IN LOCARNO TREATY ‘ LONDON, March 13. The “Daily Mail” points out that section nine of the Locarno Treaty expressly exempts the Dominions, the majority of whom have not accepted it. If the Dominions do not co-operate, the Empire may be dangerously weakened. _ It is, therefore, of overwhelming importance that France’s position should be juridically unassailable. ■ . The British Government, which was at first disposed to accept the occupation as an accomplished fact, has moved substantially from this attitude in the last 48 hours. ACUTE POSITION IMPRESSION IN PARIS PARIS, March 13. There are no signs of any easing of the international tension, some observers even declaring that Herr Hitler’s speech has made the situation more acute. The fact that Britain considers the latest German proposals unsatisfactory, , however, produced, an excellent impression in Paris, where it is considered that a peaceful solution can only be obtained by close Anglo-French collaboration. The newspapers point out that France has not refused comprehensive conversations with Germany; on the contrary, M. Poncet was entrusted with a mission to solicit understanding on March 2, Political authorities in Berhn realise that Germany must take a fateful decision in the next few days—whether to sacrifice national pride to political expediency, thus opening the, door to further international co-operation. One reason why Germany may prove mpre conciliatory is her desire for colonies. It is realised that there is little chance of obtaining their return, which is the next object of the German policy, unless Germany satisfies the world of her sincerity and goodwill. • UNPLEASANTNESS EXPECTED PREPARING THE GERMAN PUBLIC (Received March 15, 7.30 p.m.) BERLIN, March 14. Public opinion is apparently being prepared for an unpleasant development, the morning newspapers revealing a fatalistic attitude towards the meeting of the League of Nations. They plead .with . Great Britain to enforce a “reasonable solution.” * ■ Herr Hitler hurried to Berlin from Munich and conferred with Baron von Neurath (Minister for Foreign Affairs) who, it is believed, emphasised that world opinion unanimously condemned the repudiation of the Locarno Pact WITHDRAWAL BEFORE NEGOTIATION SUGGESTED ATTITUDE FOR BRITAIN (Received March 15, 8 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. Tke “I y&\ky Telegraph.” understands that the British Government is drafting proposals for European peace, incorporating all Herr Hitler’s suggestions, for consideration as soon as a basis for negotiation can be established between the powers signatory to the Locarno Pact, and Germany. Most of the British Ministers, however, are insistent that Germany must order a substantial withdrawal of the Rhineland forces as a condition of the negotiations. LOCARNO POWERS MEET WAY OPEN FOR GERMANY LONDON, March 13. The chief delegates of the four Locarno powers met alone for two hours. The meeting resumed in Mr Anthony Eden’s room at 5 p.m. The closest secrecy surrounds the Locarho discussions. , „, It is understood that Mr Eden intimated to the German Ambassador (Dr. von Hoesch) that Britain still leaves open the proposal that Germany should make a spontaneous gesture towards settlement. “JUST LIKE A CROSSWORD PUZZLE” How's life with you? Is there something lacking, no enthusiasm, no energy, no joy of living. Here s the answer to the puzzle-—take Marshall a Fospherihe for new life, , glowing strength, mental alertness, and vigorous health. “Marshall’s” is a mighty tonic—New Zealand’s best. Only 2/6 at all chemists and stores. —6