A FASCIST FRANCE?

Evening Star, Issue 23123, 24 November 1938, Page 16

A FASCIST FRANCE?

GERMANY’S HOPE OF ALLIANCE BRITISH SUSPICION OF PACT Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 23. (Received November 24, at 11.25 a.m.) The Australian Associated Press’s diplomatic correspondent says that the French-German pact was approved by Britain, to which it was referred by France before completion of the draft. Germany also advised Britain of the intention of Herr von Ribbentrop to visit Paris shortly before the formal signing. Germany was most anxious that announcement of the pact should be made last week, but, backed by strong pressure from Britain, France secured a postponement until the day of departure of British Cabinet Ministers for Paris. It was feared that an earlier announcement would possibly have affected the Paris talks. Although Britain officially approves of the pact, in accordance with her policy of removing old French-German prejudices, there is reason for believing that she regarded it with some suspicion. It is suggested that Mr Chamberlain was concerned over Germany’s delay in implementing the Munich spirit of appeasement, and hoped to remind Hitler of this by announcing new, wide-em-bracing'talks with France. If this is so, the pact may bo regarded as a German effort to reply by forestalling the talks. This is not the only ground for suspicion. The pact does not suggest revision of Hitler’s ‘ Mein Kampf,’ and does not mention the French-Russian alliances and control of the French Press, about which Germany previously expressed most decided views. Reports from Berlin state that Germany is still hopeful that France will become virtually Fascist, possibly pinning these hopes on M. Flandin, because Colonel La llocque is now of no consequence. Doubtless Germany would relish a three-Power alliance, excluding Britain, but it has to be remembered that Germany has still to explain its continued vicious Press attacks against Britain, also why Britain is blamed for a murder which occurred in France.

VON RIBBENTROP VISITING PARIS

PARIS, November 23. (Received November 24, at 8 a.m.) A Franco-German no-war pact similar to the Anglo-German declaration, has been completed, and will be published shortly. In connection with it Herr von Ribbentrop will visit Paris.

CONSULTATION INSTEAD OF WAR

LONDON, November 23. (Received November 24, at 9 a.m.)

The British United Press Paris correspondent says M, Bonnet, in announcing the conclusion of the FrancoGerman agreement this evening, said it would embrace, firstly, recognition of present frontiers; secondly, consultation instead of war in the event of disputes; and, thirdly, no new claims by either country. A DISTURBED ATMOSPHERE PARIS, November 23. (Received November 24, at 10 a.m.) With a general strike imminent, opposition to the decrees is hourly becoming more intense. The AngloFrench talks open to-morrow morning in a gravely disturbed domestic atmosphere. The French Cabinet met and finalised its policy. The Press criticises the exclusion of the colonies from the discussions. The former Minister, M. frrossprd, said: “I hope M. Daladier and M. Bonnet will tell Mr Chamberlain the truth—that peace has not returned after the Munich agreement and that the sacrifice of Czechoslovakia has not appeased the Reich appetite.” The papers express astonishment at Herr von Ribbentrop’s visit, and ask: “Is the German Government trying to sabotage the Anglo-French conversations?” MR CHAMBERLAIN IN PARIS A MIXED RECEPTION. PARIS, November 23. (Received November 24, at 2 p.m.) M. Daladier and M. Bonnet, representing President Lebrun, greeted Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax. Cheering crowds lined the beflagged route from the Gare du Nord to the British Embassy, but the reception in the vicinity of the station was mixed. A solid section of Communists, with upraised fists, cried “ Down with the Munich betrayer of Czechoslovakia! Vive Eden!” The protests threatened momentarily to lead to disorder, but after vigorous action by the police the crowd dispersed.

Mr and Mrs Chamberlain and Lord and Lady Halifax in tho evening attended a banquet given by M. Bonnet iu the Quai d’Orsay.