FRIENDLY TOWARDS BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 22271, 24 February 1936, Page 9

FRIENDLY TOWARDS BRITAIN

FEELING IN GERMANY LONDON, February 22. The Marquess of Londonderry has returned from a private three weeks’ visit to Germany, during which he conversed with Herr Hitler, General Goering, and other members of the German Cabinet. He declares that everywhere he found a most friendly feeling toward Britain. “I am certain that the development of the German air force is not in any sense directed against Britain. It is Germany’s idea of the best means of maintaining her security. She has no ill feeling toward France, with whom she would welcome a better understanding; but she certainly fears the Russian political system and its policy of world revolution.” ' THE PACT AND LOCARNO WILL TROOPS MARCH TO RHINELAND 1 PARIS, February 22. The German communique, declaring that the Franco-Soviet Pact violates Locarno, is causing alarm, the newspapers anticipating that Germany intends to use the pact as an excuse to move troops to the Rhineland. The ‘ Midi’s ’ Berlin correspondent expresses the opinion that the growing Italo-German friendship is reported to be deeply impressing the Balkan countries.

The French Foreign Office spokesman says France will not accept the German thesis that the Franco-Soviet Pact contravenes Locarno, and its ratification cannot serve as an excuse for remilitarisation of the Rhineland, as the terms only provide for mutual assistance in the event of Germany’s unprovoked aggression after the League’s normal procedure. The Belgian Ambassador has asked M. Flandin what the French attitude would be if Germany retorted to the pact by denunciation of the Locarno military measures. APPEAL TO LEAGUE POSSIBLE FRENCH STEP LONDON, February 22. The ‘ Observer’s ’ Paris correspondent says; “In the event of German repudiation of the demilitarisation clauses of Locarno, it is expected that Prance will appeal to the League and look to Britain to honour her Locarno obligations. Moreover, if Germany presses “ peaceful ” revision of Locarno and France receives other guarantees of security she might agree to German troops reoccupying the demilitarised zone, but she would oppose Germany building fortifications which would increase the danger of war, enabling 300,000 men to hold the frontier, freeing and setting free the remainder of the armies to begin an Eastern war of conquest.’’ The 1 Observer’s ’ Berlin correspondent says: “The official spokesman denies the French rumours regarding the Rhineland, including the statement that Herr Hitler conferred with generals regarding the matter, adding that Germany has more important things to do than to plunge into war. Therefore, Germany welcomes the French concern. She is apparently playing on the fear of French politicians for the purpose of increasing the difficulty of the ratification of the Franeo-Russian Pact, but she would not denounce demilitarisation of the Rhineland owing to fears of severe repercussions in Europe. Germany is active in other directions and is planning to increase her political influence and secure larger markets in the Balkans,”-