TALKS IN GERMANY

Evening Star, Issue 22817, 27 November 1937, Page 17

TALKS IN GERMANY

VISCOUNT HALIFAX'S VISIT FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE APPRECIATED COLONIAL QUESTION KEEPS CROPPING UP Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 26 Viscount Halifax’s visit to -Berlin is still regarded as promising, says the Berlin correspondent of 1 The Times.’ The first British and German contacts, he says, have succeeded in giving the impression of sympathy and fairness, without Viscount Halifax committing himself to approval or disapproval of the German views, and it is hoped that the friendly atmosphere created will not be dissipated before the time comes to discuss concrete problems on a more official basis. Official German commentators, however, are not unduly optimistic. The3 r emphasise that the main consideration is that British and German relations must be removed from the Versailles basis to one of complete equality of rights. Herr Hitler’s declared policy is to obtain the restitutions Germany desires peacefully, but any attempt to keep Germany in a collective straightjacket on the pretext that she cannot bo trusted can only, in the German view, provoke an explosion.

It is realised that Britain cannot act regardless of her relations with France, but it is argued that it would be both simple and advantageous for Britain to como to an agreement with Germany which would he compatible with British interests. If Britain acknowledged Germany’s right to former colonies she would not, it is stated, be harassed for their immediate return. Moreover,' if Britain agreed that Germany should enjoy a privileged position in Central and South-eastern Europe she could be certain of Continental peace and have a free hand to attend to tho interests of the Empire which, as Germany sees it, is menaced at so many points.

“ HO HEED FOR ANXIETY " ALLAYING FEARS OF CENTRAL EUROPE AND FRANCE. LONDON, November 26. The * Daily Herald ’ says the British Foreign Office is trying without success to allay the intense alarm in Central and Eastern Europe and France resulting from the secrecy surrounding the talks between Herr Hitler and Viscount Halifax. Every capital last night was seething with rumours, none of which could be officially denied as none outside the British Cabinet and several officials know what was said at Berchtesgaden. The Ambassadors called on Mr Anthony Eden and Sir Robert Vansittart, Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, hoping for some crumb of comfort, but the only answer they got was: “There’s no need for anxiety.”