GERMAN REPLY TO BRITAIN
ARRIVAL EXPECTED NEXT WEEK FORECAST OF CONTENT PREFERENCE FOR SEPARATE NEGOTIATIONS (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received June 12, 11.36 p.m.) LONDON. June 12. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says that the German reply to the British questionnaire is expected to reach London next week. It will probably suggest an oral discussion as the best method of negotiation. It is unlikely to commit Germany to acceptance of the present territorial arrangements in Europe. Genuine lasting peace, it is held, cannot be based on territorial arrangements forced upon Germany by the Versailles Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest plebiscites among the Germans of neighbouring lands. For the same general reason, the question whether Germany has yet reached equality of rights is also likely to be answered in the negative. The Versailles Treaty, it is argued, is nominally based on self-determi-nation, but that principle has never yet been applied to the German people. Anything Herr Hitler may contrive to do in Austria might therefore be represented as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles peace was concluded. The reply is expected freely to refer to the Franco-Soviet treaty, which Germany holds has revolutionised the European situation, making the general limitation of armaments impossible at present—although it is argued that this is no reason why a start should not be made with prohibition of i the largest guns and tanks, and the negotiation of a Western air pact. The German Government is uncompromising in preferring to deal with each country or group of countries separately. It has not the slightest desire to participate in a general congress of powers. In such a gathering she fears that she might find herself arguing her case singlehanded against countries which stand close against its successful prosecution. The reply will also probably indicate that Germany is in no hurry to join the league.
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Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21808, 13 June 1936, Page 15
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314GERMAN REPLY TO BRITAIN Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21808, 13 June 1936, Page 15
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