"STRONG SERVICE TO EUROPE"

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22005, 1 February 1937, Page 9

"STRONG SERVICE TO EUROPE"

i Official British View • Of Speech MODERATION WELCOMED i (UNITED I'BESS ASSOCIATION—COPYMGIIT.) (Received January 31, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. The Sunday papers welcome Herr Hitler's moderation, which, says the diplomatic correspondent of "The Observer," has created a good impression in official quarters where the speech is regarded as a strong service to Europe and the world. A pacific utterance had been expected, as the army, naval, and air chiefs in Germany had convinced the politicians that they must avoid controversy abroad. Nevertheless, Britain regrets that Herr Hitler did not deal with the practical points of Mr Eden's speech. I TEPID RECEPTION IN PARIS ATTACKS ON LEAGUE CAUSE DOUBT (Received January 31, 9.20 p.m.) PARIS, January 30. The general reception of Herr Hitler's speech is tepid, but the opinion is expressed in diplomatic quarters that in spite of its negativeness it | should be studied as a reply to M. Blum's speech. The declaration that there will not be more "surprises" is interpreted to mean that there will not be an invasion of Memel or a seizure of Danzig, constituting a new gleam of hope. However, much of the speech coldshoulders the league, which is the pivot of French policy, causing doubts whether Germany's readiness to collaborate in world affairs can be implemented. ITALY SATISFIED "OLIVE-BRANCH WITHOUT BAYONETS" I (Received January 31, 9.41 p.m.) ROME, January 30. The speech is welcomed as an ! "olive-branch without bayonets." The eight points are regarded as fully in line with Italian policy. SOVEREIGNTY OVER REICHSBANK INTERNATIONAL RESTRICTION REMOVED (Received January 31, 10.30 p.m.) BERLIN, January 30. An official explanation of Herr Hitler's reference to the Reichsbank says that the placing of the Reichsbank wholly under the sovereignty of Germany removes the last international restriction imposed on Reichsbank law, enabling it to be changed without international consent. Dr. H. Schacht (Minister for National Economy), unless he chooses, need not be a member of the Bank of International Settlements. Thus Germany resumes legislative sovereignty in this field. MEMBERSHIP OF NAZI PARTY CABINET MEMBERS HONOURED (Received January 31, 10.30 p.m.) BERLIN, January 30. Tens of thousands of stormtroopers marched in a torchlight procession past the chancellery, where Herr Hitler, Herr Rudolf Hess, General Goering, Dr. Goebbels, and other leaders stood on the floodlit balcony responding to the cheering. The Cabinet had. met previously. Herr Hitler conferred membership of the Nazi party on all members of the Cabinet who were not previously members, bestowing on them the gold party insignia. The recipients included Baron von Neurath, Dr. Schacht, and General von Blomberg. GERMAN ECONOMIC ILLS ATTRIBUTED TO REARMAMENT j AND EXTRAVAGANCE I (Received January 31, 8.56 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. "Computing on German, official figures, Germany is spending £1,000,000,000 a year on arming," says an article in the February issue of the "Banker." "German economic ills are mostly the result of rearmament, accentuated •by extravagance in public expenditure." Drawing attention to the constant stream of propaganda from Germany, the "Banker" says: "It is very clear that from the standpoint of the investor Germany is a bottom-j less pit. German political leaders are gambling with the livelihoods, and are prepared to gamble with the lives, of their people." Commenting on German colonial claims, the "Banker" argues that as the former German colonies are of little economic valuer it is hard to resist- the conclusion that it is not the former German colonies which Germany requires, but the older and more developed possessions of other powers. She could use the former colonies as bases for expansion of German influence in neighbouring territories. Any financial or territorial concessions would encourage a policy of blackmail