CRISIS INFERRED

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 116, 19 May 1931, Page 9

CRISIS INFERRED

HEGEMONY" OF PRANCE

BLOW AT PREDOMINANCE

■ LQNDON, 18th May.

A most critical situation is threatening 'the League of Nations, according to tho Geneva correspondent of the "Morning Post." France, perceiving that her international influence is vitally threatened by the AustroGerman Customs Union, is determined to preserve her hegemony; whereas Germany has decided that;the time is rip to strike an effective blow at French predominance in Europe. . Neither party is in a mood to compromise. Tho German entourage say that Germany will ,no\t stand further French insolence. If Paris persists in interfering with her independence Germany will promptly withdraw from the League. ' • ■

The Austro-German- "Zollverein" is one of the things which tripped up M. Briand, French Foreign. Minister, at the Presidential election, so the mere mention of Dr. Curtius, the German Foreign Minister, is like a rod rag to a bull.

OPINION IN GERMANY,

A largo body of opinion in Germany favours Dr. Cnrtius threatening ,Ger-1 many's withdrawal from tho League, but tho weapon must bo used only, as a 'last resort. Austria is in a. happy position either way: if tho • Zollvercin is dropped Franco will eompensato her with financial and other assistance. AI. Andre Poncet (Franco) hinted that if Austria dropped the plan Franco, would be ready to import a j larger.volume of Austrian goods, while the European countries under the League's auspices would i examine a means of assuring Austria of tariff and transport advantages for the . development of her hydraulic resources. Dr. Johann Schober (Austria) replied with a prompt, speech which is interpreted as Austria's adherence to the Custom s plan, regardless of the hostility of France. • Dr. Curtius is staying in Austria and is ready to negotiate with any country on parallel lines. Tho German delegation announced that the French arguments have not shaken Germany and Austria's determination to persevere with the Cus-' toms Union, which docs not affect Austria's political independence.