ARMAMENTS CRISIS

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 March 1934, Page 7

ARMAMENTS CRISIS

GERMAN REPLY TO FRANCE

DESIRE FOR AGREEMENT

[by CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYEIGHT.J BERLIN, March 17.' Germany has framed a reply to the French aide memoire. The reply is conciliatory and leaves the door open for further negotiations. It expresses the opinion that France, like Germany,

is working for the speedy conclusion of I a disarmament convention, though their views differ; but the Angldhtalian proposals may smooth the path. The reply suggests two possible modes of agreement—namely, a five years’ truce, or partial disarmament over a longer period. It adds that nothing would please Germany more than a really far-reaching disarmament decision, while at the moment that the arms question is settled, Germany’s relationship with the League of Nations can be discussed. The reply reiterates that Germany’s political organisations are non-military. It offers to sign an agreement for binding

it on all Powers that such organisations should not carry arms, or possess an organic connection with the army. Germany again suggests that France’s overseas forces stationed at easily accessible points should be included in her effectives.

The reply declares that Germany will, in no circumstances, consent to a continuance of the Versailles Treaty restrictions. Germany also insists that there must be no discriminating post--5 ponement in the granting of defensive ' arms to the remodelled German Reichs--1 wehr. Germany says she does not ob- • ject to the control of arms if it is - applied equally to all the Powers. > It is emphasised that the German--1 Polish treaty proves Germany’s readiness to go to the utmost limit to avoid < recourse to arms. It denies that the Treaty is intended to weaken the Locarno Treaty or to challenge the validity of it. Germany adds that all perquisites exist for an agreement, and that only determination is needed to achieve it. RETURN OF COLONIES. BERLIN, March 17. The Reich Colonial League states that Germany intends to insist on the return of her colonies. The League announces a memorial year to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Germany’s acquisition of hei’ first colony, culminating ih “a People’s Day on July 8 next, to proclaim the German people’s determination to fulfill the country’s colonial needs.” FRENCH DOUBTS AND FEARS. (Recd. March 19, 8 .a.m.) PARIS, March 17. A Note to Britain states that France lis not hostile to further disarmament if her security be not imperilled. She stresses that Germany has already rearmed, violating the Treaty of Versailles, and declares that what is wanted is a European organisation to prevent infractions of the Disarmament Convention, and to suppress all aggression. The British proposal for a consultation is interesting but insufficient. The League of Nations remains the sole organiser capable of maintaining peace. If Germany re- f turned to Geneva she should give * proof of good faith. The British plan • was unacceptable inasmuch as it legalises German rearmament and limits French armaments. France accepts the British proposals to abolish military aviation world-wide, but points out that if land rearmament is 1 permitted, naval rearmament must in- ' evitably follow. '

MUSSOLINI’S COMMENT

(Rec. March 19, 1 p.m.) ROME, March 18.

The city was aroused at four o’clock this morning by buglers’ reveille and seven thousand of the army, many in Fascist uniforms, filled the five galleried opera house for the second quinquennial meeting of the Fascist regime. Mussolini, in the presence of members of the Cabinet dignitaries assigned Italian expansion of Africa and Asia as the task for future generation of Italians, adding it was not a question of territorial conquest, but nations in possession must not block Italian expansion. Democracy, Liberalism and Socialism were dead, but Fascism could effect the balance between man and the machine. The treaty of amity with Switzerland would be renewed and Italy would continue the helping hand to Austria as a sovereign State.

The reform of the League of Nations should be attempted after the conclusion of the armament conference. An armed, State, which was not executing one-fifth of the Versailles Treaty, could not logically oppose the application of parity rights to Germany. Germany’s claims regarding effectives and defensive material should be recognised on the basis of the convention suggested by Italy, thereby re-establishing understanding, and leading Europe out of darkness.

DANUBIAN STATES. ROME, March 16. It is understood that Signor Mussolini. Doctor Dollfuss and M. Gombos have made a political economic agreement, and that it affirms the intention of the signatories to collaborate in the restoration of the Danubian States. To this agreement they invite the other Danubian states to adhere. ROME, March 17.

Signor Mussolini, Dr Dollfuss, and M. Gombos have signed the protocols for a Danubian agreement, the text of whiqh confirms the report and forecast* on March 16. They also agree to discuss all of the problems particularly interesting them, and also to discuss general subjects in the spirit of friendship, with a view to following a policy that will promote the effective collaboration of all European States, and particularly of Italy, Hungary and Austria. The three Governments are establishing a Permanent Committee of three experts to formulate concrete proposals. Lists of goods on which preferences are to be granted will be drawn up on May 15.