STRONG PROTEST

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 143, 14 March 1938, Page 9

STRONG PROTEST

1 British, French Notes To Berlin “GRAVEST REACTIONS” Impossible To Foretell The Issue By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received March 13, 7.30 p.m.) London, March 12. This morning’s Cabinet meeting lasted 90 minutes, after which it was officially stated that it had discussed events in Austria. It was reported that a protest in the strongest ferms had been made to Berlin. It was felt that Germany’s action was bound to have a most disturbing effect on BritishGerman relations and on public confidence throughout Europe. The British Government is keeping in closest touch with the French Government and is continuously considering tlie situation. Members of Cabinet are remaining , within reach of London at the weekend. Mr. Chamberlain has summoned Mr. C. R. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, and Sir A. H. M. Sinclair. An official communique issued by the Foreign Office states:— “On instructions from His Majesty’s Government the British Ambassador in Berlin, in reference to the contents of the second German ultimatum, has registered a protest in rhe strongest possible terms against such use of coercion backed by force against an Independent State in order to create a situation incompatible with its national independence.

“Such action, as it was pointed out, was bound to produce the gravest reactions, of which it is impossible to foretell the issue.” An official communique issued in Paris states:— / “The French Ambassador in Berlin has formulated the most energetic protest against the use of measures and coercion tending to enforce on an independent State a situation incompatible with its national independence. The Ambassador stressed that such action must necessarily entail grave repercussions, the consequences of which cannot be foreseen."