GERMANY WITHDRAWS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1933, Page 7

GERMANY WITHDRAWS

FROM LEAGUE & DISARMAMENT WAR DANGER NEARER [RY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

BERLIN, October 14.

Germany lias severed her connection with the League of Nations and with the Disarmament Conference. After hearing Herr Nadolny’s report from Geneva,; Chancellor Hitler and the leading Ministers decided that Germany should not make any further concession there. A semi-official statement declares that German Powers are attempting to secure a Con-, vention by, which the most heavily armed ones will not make the slightest step to disarm. Chancellor Hitler dramatically announced Germany’s withdrawal from the League at a meeting of journalists. The Reichstag is being dissolved to enable a plebiscite to be taken on the Government’s policy. The Provincial Parliaments are also dissolving but there will be no elections. Another message states the Reichstag will be dissolved by special order of President Hindenburg. The Plebiscite is being held on November 12. The list of candidates is being published next week.. The electors will vote for the man. instead of for any party.

EQUALITY DEMAND.

GENEVA, October 14.

Herr Von Neurath, German Foreign Minister', in his announcement to Mr Henderson of Germany’s withdrawal from the League, and the Disarmament Conference, says: “Recent discussiohs indicate that the Conference will not fulfil general disarmament, owing to the unwillingness by highly armed States to carry out contractural obligations to disarm. This renders it impossible to? satisfy Germany’s claim to equality', consequently, the conditions under which Germany agreed to participate in the Conference no longei’ exist.”

HITLER’S MANIFESTO.

DISCRIMINATION ALLEGED.

BERLIN, October 14.

Chancellor Hitler has issued a manifesto to the nation, saying: Germany is most disappointed.', Despite her readiness to disarm to the utmost other nations did not desire to fulfil their' Peace Treaty pledges to the German people. The German Government had been humiliated by the deliberate refusal of real, moral, actual equality, despite a promise made on November 11, 1932, as a result of which Germany had agreed to participate in the Disarmament Conference. The German. Government considered the refusal an unjustifiable discrimination, and it will not further participate in the negotiations as a secondclass Power without rights. While the' Government reiterates a firm desire for peace, it regrets that humiliating, dishonouring demands compel its withdrawal from the Conference andfthe League. The Government is submitting its decision to the people, from whom it expects a manifestation of a similar conception of honour and determination. He added: “I am convinced that the nation, like one man, will confirm this decision, springing from the love of our people, and respect for their honour and for world peace, which is only possible if the victor-vanquished relationship is replaced with equal rights for all who live. Germany has now the opportunity for electing Deputies committed to this policy.” In the manifesto, the German Government intimates that the German people would joyfully renew a vow to destroy the last German machine gun, and dismiss the last man from the German army, if other nations would do the same. The Government desires to examine and solve by negotiation all international questions in a spirit overcoming war psychology and is

ready to conclude non-aggression pacts > ensuring long-lasting peace, and to participate in a general scheme of cultural reconstruction, but the Government consider that recognition of equality for Germany in armaments must be the precedent thereto. It Will suffer any persecution or affliction rathei’ than sign treaties that would be unacceptable to an honourloving nation, thereby leading to a perpetuation of Versailles misery and a collapse of civilisation,

CHANCELLOR’S BROADCAST.

LIES AND SLANDERS ALLEGED BERLIN, October 14. Herr Hitler, in a broadcast this evening, declared that nobody tried so honestly to help to heal war wounds as Germany. If Germany’s sufferings, her sacrifices, the greatness of which was not realised, and also the absolute fanatical loyalty with which she destroyed immeasurable quantities of , war material, on air, land and sea, could not lead to pacification, it was due to a treaty perpetuating conceptions of victors towards vanquished. He contended that the Nazis had turned a threatening catastrophe of Communism from Europe, which constituted an historical service. He added: “Yet the world, which we have not harmed, has been persecuting us for months with lies and slanders only comparable with those of the war. The Nazi revolution was the most bloodless of any yet. Communist emigres have circulated atrocity stories. What would the world say about Germany, if we were to hold a trial here in favour of a man who set fire to the British House of Parliament for the purpose of deprecating British justice?” Referring to France, Herr Hitler 'said: It would be a gigantic event in the world if France and Germany banished mutual violence. The German people are ready for such a course. No territorial conflicts would exist between us after the return of the Saar. If M. Daladier asks why the German youth are now marching, it is not to demonstrate against France, but to establish a political concentration against Communism. Nevertheless, only the Reichswehr are armed- If the rest of the world shuts itself in indestructible fortresses, and

builds monstrous aeroplanes, tanks and guns, it. cannot speak of a menace when the Nazis march in fours, entirely unarmed. Germany does not demand offensive arms, but a right to equality and also defensive weapons which are allowed all nations!

PRESS SUPPORT.

BERLIN, October 14

The German newspapers welcome the decision to leave the Disarmament Conference. . The “Deutsche Allegememe Zeitung” says: “This decision releases Germany . from an unbearable nightmare having nonatural possibilities of life.” . . ~ The Press blames England and the French for the present crisis. It hopes England will reconsider Germany’s precarious position, and will recognise that, in the interests of peace, that concessions are more agreeable than a dissatisfied Germany.

DESIRE FOR PEACE.

(Recd. October 16, 1 p.m.) BERLIN, October 15.

In order that Hitler’s speech should have the widest circulation, it was rebroadcast in the forenoon, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and relayed on Saturday night to almost every European, North and South Americn station.

Dr. Goebbels, addressing a hundred thousand people at Himmerich, reiterated that Germany did not desire war. She had no arms, and wished tor an honourable peace. The withdrawal from the League was not a demonstration against peace, but in favour thereof.

KRUPP SUPPORTS DEFIANCE.

(Recd. October 16, noon). BERLIN, October 15.

None of the papers threaten re-arm-amament, but “Vossiche Zeitung” emphasises the Treaty of Versailles is repudiated. Krupp is among the leading personalities who telegraphed support to Hitler, who is inundated, w’ith assurances of loyalty and unity from mass meetings throughout Germany, including “The Workers Front,” which has supplanted trades unionism.

NEXT MOVE BY POWERS. (Received October IG, 2 p.m.) BERLIN, October 15. Hitler and his Cabinet are now sitting back, waiting the next move from the Great Powers. The Government wholeheartedly endorses the Italian suggestion to adjourn the conference, arguing that its adoption of a convention for submission to Germany for approval, or rejection, would be provocative ,and in the nature of an ultimatum.

A BROKEN HAMMER.

MUNICH, October 15.

Laying the foundation stone of the “House of German Art,” Hitler was given a silver hammer, as a symbol of Nazism’s future.

Dr. Wagner, presenting the hammer, said he hoped that it would be used on all similar functions. Hitler’s first stroke broke the mallet. Hitler seemed dazed, and slowly and silently resumed his seat, abandoning his prepared speech. The superstitious descry an omen in the incident.

STATE PARLIAMENTS TO GO.

BERLIN, October 15.

It is expected that Germany will be completely united on the referendum regarding foreign issue. The voters will be asked whether the German people approve and acknowledge the policy laid down in the Government’s appeal, also whether they support the Nazi Party.

AU State Parliaments at least, will temporarily disappear. This is believed to precede the abolition of the Federal system in favour of centralising the administration under Hitler.

SIR J. SIMON’S SPEECH.

EIGHT YEARS’ SCHEME.

GENEVA, October 14.

At the Disarmament Conference, Sir. J. Simon, in a statement, said the British Government believes a disarmament convention could not have been agreed upon on a basis that would provide for any immediate rearmament. Recent conversations had shown that the British Draft Convention. which had been adopted as a framework of agreement will require, in some respects to be recast. It was designed to cover five years, and some Powers wish it extended to eight years. So far, no objection has been raised to eight years. It will be devoted to securing two essential conditions—first, the special measure of disarmament, actually completed, and second, achievement of the principle of equality, within the realm of security. The eight year scheme would begin with a transformation of armaments, with adequate supervision, through a permanent Disarmament Commission. The exact amount of disarmament to be achieved in the eight, years must be stipulated in the convention. Britain would not he I satisfied if the degree of disarm- ' ament is not set. out in full detail, and is really adequate. A list of permitted arms will be drawn up and will be the same for all countries. The scheme thus would in time achieve substantial disarmament equality, but the Powers not restricted by the 'Peace Treaties shall not begin to ■increase their armaments immediate- : ly, but shall express a willingness to 1 conform to the timetable. i He added: “Britain considers an agreement, is impossible on any basis of immediate rearmament. The agreement. necessary at the outset is that no Government shall manufacture, or acquire, weapons of any type that, may eventually be abolished. We earnestly desire the attainment of equality of status, which would be best accom-

' plished by a programme like that of The British.” .. M. BoncouT (France), (supporting Sir J*. Simon, insisted on the necessity of arms control, and he emphasised that the object of the Convention was to reduce the level of armaments, thus attaining equality. Mr Davis (United States) reiterated M. Boncour’s argument. He said that. America would not participate in supervision unless there were, a treaty that contained precise disarmament provisions. Herr Von Rhinebaben demanded that the heavily armed Powers should immediately disarm. Equality, he said, should immediately be realised, but Germany was prepared to negotiate in respect to the quantities o arms to which she was entitled. The inflexibility of Sir John Simon’s statement dumbfounded the German delegates, who were disappointed at there being a united fron * ot Britain, France, America, and Italy. The withdrawal is felt to be the logical consequences of Herr Hitlers recent utterances. The German delegates are leaving to-night. The German representative did not attend this afternoon s meeting of the League Council. The Disarmament Bureau decided Sir J Simon’s statement should be transmitted to the General Commission for immediate discussion on Monday afternoon. This occasion will provide an opportunity for testing the nature of world opinion, as it stands, in the light of the latest developments. FURTHER PARTICULARS

[OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

RUGBY, October 14.

Sir J. Simon, in his statement to the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference, said that in speaking of the new rearmament, he did not mean to dispute the reasonableness of the claims that transformation of the German Reichswer into a short 'service army, even of twice the present numerical strength, would have the effect of reducing its quality and discipline. Great Britain earnestly desired to establish by international agreement, a condition of equality of status. He felt he could speak plainly and frankly, for the time had gone by for glossing over the difficulties by vague optimistic utterances. A system of disarmament fully and frankly entered into, and loyally carried out, would be of the greatest value to the world, as it was equally clear that nothing was to be gained by interminable discussions, which did not face the essential matters on which differences still existed.

Sir J. Simon added that Mr. Henderson had suggested a permanent disarmament commission might be set up as soon as the convention was signed, without waiting for ratification. “If this suggestion is found feasible, it should be welcome, for it aims at shortening the period of actual disarmament, and the period in which equality would be effectively reached. It is matter of close consideration to determine ho'w much of eight years would be needed for the initial steps. The transformation of armies involved technical questions, which would move to timetables, and in the meantime a real feeling of confidence should develop, and the day be brought nearer when the whole plan is agreed to, and is in due process of execution. Without binding myself finally to the length of the first stage, I repeat that a period of four years was mentioned by several Governments although others have raised the question whether it should not be somewhat shortened. Whatever the length of the first stage, it may be essential to make it clear that the Convention itself should have to contain at the time of its. signature, a detailed . scheme of disarmament. provided for, as the first result to be obtained by the time its full period of. say, eight years, comes to an end. The result of the abolition of various kinds of armament, and of armament and of prohibitions against their further use, will be to constitute a common list of permitted arms, which would become the same for all countries, and, thus the differential position of Powers whose armaments are limited by the Peace Treaty, would finally cease.” Mr. Davis said the United States called for immediate decision, Quantitative equality in armaments should primarily be sought, through reduc- ( lion in the armaments of the heavilyarmed Powers, and not through attempts by other nations to build up to their level.

Signor Di Soragna said that Italy approved in the main of Sir J. Simon’s Views.

M. Boncour insisted on the necessity of control, and indicated it was the View of the French Government that the trial period of four years was certainly necesary. It was not only justified by the uncertainty of the present political situation, but as a test of the value of control. The aim of the convention was not only to prevent any nation from rearming, but make other powers disarm. That was the only possible way to reach equality of status between nations.

Herr Rheinbaden (Germany) said: “The views of my Government are well known. Two principles are involved. The first effective and substantial disarmament. The second, full and immediate application of the principle of equality of rights. As for the second principle, no discussion should be possible. Its justice is selfevident. As to the first the discussion now centres upon quantitative disarmament, and it is simply and purely a question of figures.”

EUROPE STAGGERED.

WORST CRISIS SINCE 1914

(Received October 16, 8 a.m.) LONDON, October 15

The world to-day is face to face with a crisis, perhaps unequalled since 1914. Without a word of warning, or the slightest preliminary hint in the whole Press of Europe, Germany dramatically withdrew from the Disarmament Conference and from the League itself. The Government has dissolved the Reichstag and ordered new elections, while Hitler launched statement after statement throughout, the day, railing against the Powers in Europe, demanding the right to equal armaments. All that appeared lacking was a formal declaration of war. The news first stunned all the nations, then for a time roused fiery passions. Nazi brass bands marched in the Unter-den-Linden, the escorting crowds cheering the decision. Evening papers in Vienna and Paris indulged in war scare, until later in the day calmer counsels prevailed. The League headquarters at Geneva were shaken to the foundations. Air. MacDonald received the news al Chequers. It is not clear whether Hitler knew the contents of Sir J. Simon’s speech before it was actually delivered, but, certainly, events could hardly have moved faster. It is diffi-

cult to believe that the German plans were not already cut and dried, wait-! ing only such confirmation of the Powers’ attitude as Sir J. Simon’s speech afforded. No decision of a Great Power has caused such, a sensation since the war years.

The British United Press. _ Berlin correspondent says: As Sir .). Simon spoke at. Geneva, so the German Cabinet. sat around a table, and read the details. Feelings slowly mounted, and suddenly the decision was taken to cut adrift from the League. Mr. .Henderson called a meeting of the British, French, American and Italian delegates on Sunday, to examine the position. Mr. MacDonald _is returning to London to confer with his colleagues. There will be a similar conference of Ministers at Paris and othei- capitals.

Mr Henderson’s reply to Berlin was as brief as possible. He merely acknowledged the receipt of the telegram. which lie will submit, to the Bureau.

A “Sunday Times” editorial says: Germany’s self-isolation is a colossal blunder. Her decision is a defiance of the world, and a blow to constructive effort everywhere. “Germany versus the World,” is how the “Observer” describes the situation, which is causing alarm and astonishment world-wide, notably in Italy, where the officials are bewildered.

ARMAMENTS COMPETITION.

LONDON, October 14.

The King, who is at present at Sandringham, has been informed of Germany’s withdrawal, through official channels.

The Australian Press representative at Geneva, reports: Mr S. Bruce, Australian High Commissioner, in reply to an inquiry, said that he regarded the German situation as too critical and uncertain for comment. Mr Baldwin, in a broadcast, said that in reference to the disarmament question, no nation since the war had done more in the interests of world peace than Britain. He said: “There can.be no dubt of one thing. If one re-armament began in Europe, not only would the dangers of war become of far more serious menace, but the competition in armaments which would result would impose an intolerable burden of taxation on the people of every country.

WHITEHALL REMAINS CALM.

(Recd. October 16, 1 p.m.)

LONDON, October 15.

That the Germans are again misjudging world psychology, and have done something extremely temperamental and foolish, about represents the view at Whitehall, where almost Sabbath calm prevails, apart from communications from Geneva and the European Embassies, of which Mr MacDonald is constantly informed. “There is no reason why London should get excited,” was one comment.

LORD CECIL OPTIMISTIC

GENEVA, October 15.

Hitler has withdrawn a pacific message which was to have been read at to-night’s mass meeting of world peace agencies.

In a speech at Geneva, Lord Cecil said he did not agree that Germany’s action had destroyed the Disarmament Conference.

FRENCH PRESS OPINIONS.

PARIS, October 14.

The French newspapers are unanimous that Germany has torn off her mask. They state she has trampled down fourteen years of organisation for peace. She has isolated herself, and is opening the door for an armament race.

“Le Temps” declares: “The world, more than ever, is going to live dangerously.” “Le Temps” makes, the remark apropos of the Hitler thunderbolt, which has astounded France. “La Liberte” is of the opinion that the crucial question is whether Britain and Italy will support France in checking Germany’s warlike rally. British quarters in Paris are not surprised. They declare that it was the only thing that Germany would do to avoid being pillorised by Europe. M. Boncour has conferred with Premier Daladier. It. is understood that France has gone to her extreme limit of possible concession.

ITALIANS SUSPECT RUSE.

ROME, October 14.

Germany's action is interpreted as a challenge to the Four Power Pact. Some consider that, it may only be a ruse to obtain further concessions.

Signor Mussolini may call a. hurried meeting of the signatories to the Four Power Pad.

MUSSOLINI’S HOPE.

(Recd. October 16, 1 p.m.) ROME, October 15.

An official communique counsels calm examination of the possibility of reaching an understanding, to which Hitler has not closed the door, but more favourable circumstances for an examination of the whole problem must he awaited. This is taken to mean that Mussolini, at the first opportunity, will invite a Four Power Conference.

“Il Messagero” says: Italy is prepared to lead the way to co-operation and re-establish equilibrium.”

The German Ambassador called on Mussolini after the latter’s dinner in honour of Ronald Graham, whose communication with Whitehall is likely to be informative.

“THE FOOL IDEA.”

GENOVA, October 14.

Commenting on Germany’s withdrawal, the principal delegate of one of the Great. Powers declared: The place must be a madhouse. It seemed impossible that the Hitlerites were stupid enough io take such a. line. They have been toying with the fool idea, of dividing the Great Powers.

LEAGUE’S PROBABLE ACTION.

(Received October 1 16. 11 a.m.) LONDON, October 15.

Twenty minutes’ silence followed Hitler’s broadcast. It will be noticed that, the elections are fixed for the day. after armistice.

Sir T. Inskip, in a speech at Rowland Castle, said the League would survive Germany's departure, as it. did Japan's, but. no doubt it would be weaker. The League could never survive the departure of Britain.

Professor Gilbert Murray emphasises that. Germany cannot, leave the I League for two years, but only give ■ notice of withdrawal. Meanwhile. , much may happen. Germany does not gain her freedom as it is inconceivable the League would allow her to re-arm, and continue the leaching of I youth that war is their natural aim and ambition.

It is believed in some quarters that

I the General Commission of the Disarmament. Confeiencc, on Monday, will continue to work to draw up a resolution or convention on the lines of Sir J. Simon’s speech, which it will adopt without Germany’s vote, one way or the other. Alternatively, a convention, or a. solution, may be presented to Germany for acquiescence. If she. rejects and remains in isolation, the Powers will then stand more firmly than ever by the Treaty of Versailles. Others believe the Conference will adjourn indefinitely, leaving the problem of disarmament to be dealt with through diplomatic channels.

PREPARING A REPLY

GENEVA, October 15.

During the Big Four’s discussion, Sir J. Simon left to talk telephonically with Mr. MacDonald. He then conferred with the Dominion representatives. British quarters deny the suggestion that. Sir J. Simon’s speech precipitated Germany’s withdrawal, pointing out that it granted Germany some immediate equality of status, as well as an army of two hundred thousand. ■ Mr. Henderson will recommend a brief adjournment of the Disarmament Commission, in order to envisage the situation, which it is believed due to Hitler’s personal initiative. Germany has not notified her actual withdrawal from the League, but the delay is not interpreted as a change of mind. The text of the Commission’s reply to Germany, is now being prepared.

FOREIGN PRESS COMMENT

LONDON, October 15.

Feeling at Geneva and Rome favours the complete adjournment of the Disarmament Conference, but the French Press recommends calmness.

Sweden regards Germany’s resignation from the League as endangering world peace, because entailing a resumption of the armament race. Belgium is anxiously awaiting events. The Hungarian Opposition Press approves of Hitler’s decision. The Polish Opposition Press urges a united front against Germany, to preclude a world war.

U.S.A.’S ATTITUDE.

“FIRMLY WITH ALLIES.”

WASHINGTON, October 14.

The United States was disclosed tonight as standing firmly with her one time allies in opposition to German rearmament, and in support of the arms reduction plan. The Roosevelt Administration asserted that, “A disarmament convention could not properly be made an instrument for rearmament,” and that “qualitative equality in armaments should primarily be sought through the reduction of the armaments of heavily-armed Powers and not through' acts on the part of others to attempt building armaments.’” President Roosevelt said in an address to the nation last night that “no threat to world peace emanates from the United States, for we are overwhelmingly against war, and, as a nation, are seeking no additional territory, at the expense of our neighbour.” He was addressing the third annual Women’s Conference on current problems in New York, from White House. He said: “Only through constant, education and the stressing of ideals of peace can those nations threatening the peace of the world by imperialistic desires be brought into line with thq majority against such a policy.”

GERMANY BLAMED.

NEW YORK, October 14.

The New York “Times” Washington correspondent says: “Senator Hull (Secretarv of State) indicated to-day that the United States Government places squarely upon Germany the blame for slowing down and impeding the movement toward general disarmament. The German withdrawal from the League and Conference apparently came as a surprise to the State Department. The role of the United States, Senator Hull said, had been throughout the Disarmament. Conference, one of striving whole-heartedly and unremittingly for general disarmament action. ’The Hitler Government had hated the spirit of team work, which the United States had tried to practice and to encourage. There was no doubt, from Senator Hull’s remarks that. Britain, France, and the United States were in accord against any rearming by Germany. There was, however, no talk of the United States entering into sanctions against Germany, it being generally felt, that Germany’s action to-day was more of a gesture than a Treaty violation. Senator Hull made it clear that he had not given up hope of attaining a measure of disarmament by the heavily-armed nations. “I shudder to contemplate the alternative of all the nations surrendering and giving up either their efforts or their hope of promoting disarmament and securing it,” he said. Among the officials here, there are several who, without becoming apologists for the German impatience that was manifested to-day hold that France and Poland notably have been regrettably slow in living up to what thel/ consider implied . disarmament obligations in the Versailles Treaty.

BONDHOLDERS’ CLAIM.

BERLIN, October 15.

German bondholders of colonial loans floated before the war to develop German colonies, have decided to bring an action to recover the money against, the Mandatory Powers, and they expect the German Government to support the claim.

A GRATEFUL VILLAGE.

PARIS, October 13.

In these days of the Franco-Ger-man estrangement, a pleasing incident is reported from the village of Escaupoine, near Valenciennes, which the Germans occupied in war time, they being under an officer who showed many kindnesses to the inhabitants. The officer afterwards married a French woman, and he settled in the village. The villagers arc now indignant at. the officer receiving a sentence of fifteen days’ imprisonment for an alleged assault on his wife. In addition, the village is agitating for the reduction of his sentence. The villagers have arranged a. banquet in his honour when he leaves gaol.

LABOUR PRESS STUNT

LONDON, October 14

“Dominions Joins the New Armament Race" appears on the “Daily Herald’s” front, page triple-column heading, over a story saying that Australia and New Zealand are swiftly developing armed forces under a liaison plan between Britain and themselves, and also with the ap-

proval of the British Government.. This is the latest development in the' Far Eastern situation, which is becoming increasingly menacing. The “Daily Herald” narrates the-J plans of Australia, New-Zealand and South Africa as reported in cables. It> alludes to Japan’s aggression in thePacific, and her demand for a morepowerful following upon her unsuccessful attempts to make a pact with, j Holland, in return for concessions in. i Dutch New Guinea, where the Japan-j ese hoped to lay down a system of dsguised air bases. The editorial says: “These new, Australian naval programmes and the-1 South African defence programme are ( parts of a. world movement. The nations, world-wide, are re-arming. The mad race is beginning again!”