GERMAN PLAIN SPEAKING

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 September 1933, Page 7

GERMAN PLAIN SPEAKING

». RIGHT TO OPPOSE TREATY FOREIGN MINISTER’S CLAIM [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] BERLIN, September 16. Baron Von Neurath (Foreign Minister) addressing foreign journalists, bitterly accused the Allies of keeping Germany in the fetters of Versailles, as a result of which recent attemptsat international collaboration had ended in stagnation. Foreigners must finally realise that Germany had the right to oppose the Versailles terms with her entire strength, though she desired peace, not war. The Four Power Pact would lead to an under-

1 standing if goodwill prevailed, but the disarmament question must cause the utmost scepticism, since the highlyarmed States were less willing than ever to fulfil their obligations. The victors had no right to talk like a schoolmaster to Germany. She would not listen. The only alternative to equality in armaments was the collapse of the disarmament idea, for the tragedy of which Germany would not be responsible. Germany would not interfere with Austria’s internal affairs, but insisted on non-interference on the part of other nations in the Austro-German conflict. He added that it was absurd chatter regarding the Jewish question. It would be settled when it was recognised as a necessary cleansing of public life, and of restoring of law and?,justice in Germany. International co-operation would be possible when the nations recognised the Soviet, with which Germany hoped to foster aTong-stand-ing friendship. A real European policy was impossible without or against Germany.

FRENCH DETERMINATION [TIMES CABLES.] ,(Rec. September 18, 11 a.m.) LONDON, September 17. “The Times’s” Paris correspondent, says: France’s disarmament case, as it will be presented to Captain Eden, to-morrow, is that France will not agree to the slightest diminution in her armed forces at present. If the system of permanent automatic control of armaments is accepted at Geneva, and is proved effective over a period of years, France will then make “Large Reductions.” The period asked is four years, but on this point, France may be prepared to compromise. France regards Germany’s acceptance of international control as a test of good faith, because it will settle the question whether Germany is already secretly re-arming.

FRENCH PRESS ESTIMATE. (Recd. September 18, 10.30 a.m.) PARIS, September 17. “Germany has spoken. The disarmament talks about to begin have no more meaning,” sums up French opinion on Neurath’s speech. It is felt that everyone now knows -where they are. There is a tendency to cry, “Thank heaven for Hitler.” PARIS, September 17. In view of Captain Eden’s arrival, to dismiss disarmament, the Press devotes much space to the subject, summarising the French viewpoint thus: —

First, no re-armament in Germany. Secondly, universal international control of armaments. Thirdly, France will wait five years for proof that Germany is keeping her word, meanwhile refusing to reduce her own armaments.

FRANCO-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP. MOSCOW, September 17. Some of M. Cot’s Party of twentyfive, inspected the aircraft factories in which connection the French could barely conceal the desire to oust the Germans in providing a financial basis for a satisfactory deal. The visitors are receiving high official honours. Newspapers lavish goodwill propaganda, declaring that a new era of Franco-Soviet relations began with M. Herriot’s visit, followed by M. Cot, who is the first active member of a French Cabinet to visit the Soviet. LATER— M. Cot confirmed the reports of a Franco-Russian air rapprochement. BRITAIN AND U.S.A. (Recd. September 18, 1 p.m.) LONDON, September 17. The “Mail” understands that Britain, in order to give the Disarmament Conference a clear field, suggested that the United States should postpone the £47,000,000 naval programme.

PORTUGAL’S NAVY. LISBON, September 17. Portugal, in accordance with the 1931 naval program, is building six warships, including an aircraft carrier, at a cost of £1,600,000.