ENCOURAGEMENT TO EUROPE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 113, 6 February 1935, Page 9

ENCOURAGEMENT TO EUROPE

Favourable Press Comment IMPORTANCE OF HITLER’S ATTITUDE (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, February 4. With the sole exception of the “Daily Express,” which is opposed to all British commitments on the Continent, the newspapers regard the results of the London conversations as offering great encouragement to Europe. Mr. Ward Price, in the “Daily Mail,” points out that the Anglo-French agreement can guarantee European peace only if Germany participates, whereupon the war clouds will be dispersed. Otherwise world conflict is only a matter of time.

England’s fate lies in the hands of Herr Hitler, whose acceptance of the invitation to join the air pact would change European antagonism into cooperation. Despite certain unfavourable influences Herr Hitler, personally desires peace. ,! The Times,” which notes there is goodwill in every paragraph of the Anglo-French statements, says that the proposed Western European Air Convention is an amplification of Locarno. But its importance consists less in precision or in definition than in psychological values and since the trouble is primarily psychological, an enhanced sense of security on either side of the Rhine should have a beneficial and tranquillising influence upon the two countries which in effect have nothing to quarrel about.

’ The “Daily Telegraph" says that the new agreement should,calm fears about present security and at the same time open a door by which the British ideal of achieving peace in such disarmament as would deny aggression may be reached. The final word now rests with Germany. The - “Manchester Guardian” says ■that those who accept Locarno will accept the proposed convention also. The “Daily Herald” says that common sense has prevailed and Germany is invited to enter conversations for the purpose of concluding a general settlement freely negotiated. This is a sane and sensible if'oposal and there is ground for hoping that the German Government will not give a blank negative to the invitation. The “News-Chronicle” says that here at least is a new starting point “and we hope that the negotiations will be a step toward the peace of Europe pressed forward with vigour and will meet with encouraging response.” The “Daily Mail” says that the line followed by the National Government undoubtedly accords with the wishes of the people of this country. (Note on Page 7.)

VIEWS ON CONTINENT Acceptance < By Germany BASIS FOR NEGOTIATION (Received February 5, 8.10 p.m.) London, February 4. Reception of the London declaration on the Continent is generally favourable.

Reports from Berlin show that apparently Germany, while clarifying her own needs, will scrupulously avoid obstructing any proposals for European pacification. The Press is cautious but friendly. “Diplomatic Correspondence” says that the London communique’s emphasis upon the avoidance of an armaments race and the elimination of war danger finds a lively echo in Germany. The desire for an armaments convention is the most valuable part of the London agreement. Germany feels jointly responsible for .it, and so there may be a real understanding against armaments chaos.

The Government spokesman informed the Press that Germany accepts the London agreement as a basis for negotiation.

Paris newspapers of all political shades hail the London agreement, which is regarded as a great success for the French representatives. The “Petit Parisien” says that never since perils were shared together on the battlefields have such sympathy and desire for collaboration been shown.

“Le Journal” says that Britain has .given a courageous display of solidar-

ity, going to the extent of a defensive military alliance in embryo. Paris reports that M. Flandin, Prime Minister of France, broadcasting, expressed the Government’s satisfaction at the Anglo-French agreement as overcoming ‘a menace to European peace. Moscow reports that the AngloFrench agreement, has been sceptically received in Russia on the .grounds of its vagueness. It is also contended that it will lead to the rearmament of Germany, provoking an armament race.

Brussels reports that all the newspapers express satisfaction. The “Soir” says that the Belgian people will unanimously rejoice at three great Allie,d Powers affirming solidarity to prevent any State hurling Europe into ehaos.

’At Rome official circles are very satisfied, especially with the expression that a general settlement should be freely negotiated and conditions imposed on Germany before the discussions commence. Pleasure is also expressed at Britain, France and Italy joining in a consultative pact for the defence of Austria.

The Rome correspondent of "The ■Times” says that the outstanding feature of the Anglo-French discussions in Italian opinion is the close collaboration now established between Britain, France and Italy, the immediate practical outcome of which is the association of Britain with France and Italy in any consultations necessary if Austria’s independence is threatened. But the point arousing most interest is the proposed air convention, especially Britain’s readiness to participate. In this fact, according to one newspaper, lies the “definite burial of the myth of British insularity.”

BROADCAST SPEECH

Sir J. Simon Criticised QUESTION OF PROCEDURE London, February 4. In the House of Commons, Mr. G. A. Dansbury, Leader of the Opposition, protested against Sir John Simon broadcasting a speech on the AngloFrench negotiations on Sunday instead of waiting to make his first announce-

ment in the House of Commons, when questions could be put. Sir John Simon replied that he undertook the broadcast solely in order that the should be understood.

Sir Herbert Samuel also said that he hotted that in the future a statement of such importance would first be made in the House of Commons. DOMINIONS INFORMED Opinions Not Sought London, February 4. Although, the British Government informally outlined the Anglo-French discussions to the Dominion High Commissioners, simultaneously submitting dispatches to the Dominions, Britain did not seek to ascertain the Dominions’ attitude.

On the contrary, the Government concluded the negotiations without awaiting the Dominions’ reactions. It is pointed out that this is the first major international parley for a considerable time, In which it lias been unnecessary for Britain to do more than keep the Dominions informed. It is hoped that the proposals will be widely approved by the Dominions