LONDON PUZZLED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 122, 26 May 1939, Page 9

LONDON PUZZLED

GERMAN STATEMENT

AXIS INVITATION TURNED DOWN

TALKS ON PROBLEMS

(British Official Wireless.)

Received May 26, 11.50 a.m.) RUGBY, May 25,

An apparently inspired Berlin statement in the course of which it was declared ■ that the Western Powers rejected "the last invitation of the Axis Powers to the democracies for a common solution of European problems" has caused some discussion in diplomatic circles in London.

According to agency reports, the statement alludes to speeches at the League Council meeting by Lord Halifax and M. Bonnet in which they affirmed the attachment of their two Governments to the principles of peace and justice which are enshrined in the Covenant.

The Berlin statement also refers to the negotiations between Britain, France, and the Soviet on security questions, and proceeds to declare that political circles in Berlin find proof therein that the Western Powers have rejected the "last invitation of the Axis Powers." The statement goes on to- postulate that these Western Powers hay some way not explained—refused theix; co-operation to what is called a constructive solution in favour of Europfean peace, but which is not defined, and reiterates the familiar charges of "encirclement." BRITISH POLICY MADE CLEAR. ] Official circles in London are unable to throw any light on the reference to the "last invitation." Regarding the implied argument about encirclement, it is pointed out that British policy has been made clear beyond possibility of doubt. All engagements into which' Britain entered or may still enter with a view to introducing a stabilising factor into Europe and restoring confidence have been and will be expressly designed only to be operative in case of an act of aggression threatening the independence of a sovereign State. Since such engagements will remain without effect as long as no such act of v aggression is committed, commentators in London are at a loss to digcover how any question of "encirclement" can arise. Commentators feel that the Berlin statement completely ignores the fact that it is Britain which has consistently urged that outstanding problems should be settled by the method of negotiation. READY TO CO-OPERATE. It was stated again in official quarters tonight that Britain remains ready at all times to lend its co-operation to a peaceful settlement by discussion and in Parliamentary circles it is recalled that only last Friday in the House of Commons Mr. Chamberlain emphasised the common agreement of the Government and the Opposition on the necessity for a long-term peace policy for the settlement of outstanding difficul- ; ties. ■ ■ i