ANGLO-GERMAN CONTACT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 54, 27 November 1937, Page 11

ANGLO-GERMAN CONTACT

Friendly Atmosphere

EFFECT OF VISIT BY LORD HALIFAX Berlin Views Explained By Telegraph.—Press. Assn.—Copyright (Received November 26, 9.10 p.m.) London, November 26. Lord Halifax’s visit to Berlin is still regarded as promising, says the Berlin correspondent of “The Times.” The first British and German contacts, he said, have succeeded in giving an impression of sympathy and fairness without Lord Halifax committing himself to approval or disapproval of the German views, and it is hoped the friendly atmosphere created will not be dissipated before the time comes to discuss concrete problems on a more official basis.

Official German commentators, however, are not unduly optimistic. They emphasise that the main consideration is that British and German relations must be removed from the Versailles basis to one of complete equality of rights. Herr Hitler's declared policy is to obtain the restitutions Germany desires peacefully, but any attempt to keep Germany in a collective straitjacket on the pretext that she cannot be trusted can only, in the German view, provoke an explosion.

It is realised that Britain cannot act regardless of her relations with France, but it is argued that it would be both simple and advantageous for Britain to come to an agreement with Germany which would be compatible with British interests.

If Britain acknowledged Germany’s right to her former colonies she would not, it is stated, be harassed for their immediate return. Moreover, if Britain agreed that Germany should enjoy a privileged position in Central and south-eastern Europe, she could be certain of Continental peace and have a free hand to attend to the interests of the Empire, which, as Germany sees it, is menaced at so many points. The Prime Minister announced in the House of Commons that the visit of Lord Halifax to Germany will be one matter to be discussed with M. Chautemps, the French Premier, when he visits London. No agreement or understanding with Germany which might affect the security of France or her allies was contemplated.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” understands that Lord Halifax will participate in the Anglo-French discussions, giving the impressions that the talks with Herr Hitler and the Spanish war will doubtless be mentioned in the London conversations, but rather from the angle of Mediterranean security than that of hostilities involving themselves.

Neither London nor Paris believes the time for mediation has been reached. Consequently there is no desire to vary the procedure of the NonIntervention Committee. More positive discussions may be directed at harmonising the policy regarding Shanghai.