THE LOCARNO PACT

Evening Post, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 11

THE LOCARNO PACT

WAY OTJT FOX GERMANY!

POSSESSION OF RHINELAND

ANGLO-FRENCH MOVES WATCHED

BERLIN, January 15.

German commentators continue to proclaim that the scope of the agreement between England and France relating to co-operation in the Mediter* ranean has greatly diminished the value of the Locarno Pact for Germany, alleging that, 'in return for French "help in the event of war with Italy, Britain has given France definite promises regarding the protection of her north-eastern frontier against Germany, and' declaring that this has thrown Locarno out of gear.

' The "Berliner Tageblatt" refuses to accept British assurances that the arrangements between' France and England concerned a , Mediterranean conflict only, and* that therefore ther« is no foundation lor German fears.

The "Tageblatt" says: "Should fa* ther Anglo-French moves appear t» confirm German apprehensions, Herr Hitler might denounce the Locarno Pact, thus enabling Germany to disregard the Versailles Treaty provisions for a neutral Rhineland zona which Locarno binds her to observe."

The "Tageblatt" remains convinced that there is a dangerous similarity between the present London and- Paris conversations arid those 'that occurred before the war between the English, and French military authorities.

"Have the London and Paris negotiators really not discussed the provision of aerodromes for -the British Air Force in northern France and Belgium, that is to say, on the German frontier?" it asks. . "This is only one example of Germany's grounds for doubt."