BRITISH NOTE TO HITLER

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 May 1936, Page 7

BRITISH NOTE TO HITLER

AVOIDING MISUNDERSTANDINGS IS GERMANY SATISFIED ? (RV CABLE —PBESS ASSN. — COPYBIGHT.J (Received May 9, Noon). • / LONDON, May 8. The British Note to Hitler on th® peace plan, urges that a Western Air Pact should be accompanied by a regional agreement to limit air strength, and inquires whether the non-aggres-sion pacts outlined in Hitler’s memorandum on March 31, may also be guaranteed by mutual assistance arrangements.

The note suggests that a settlement would be facilitated if it included the Soviet, Latvia and Esthonia. . It draws attention to Hitler’s declaration on May 21, 1935, in favour of an agreement preventing outside interference in the affairs of other States, and inquires what Germany’s attitude is towards the Permanent Court of International Justice, and other arbitration bodies, in vieiy of .Germany'srdeclared • "willingness: ’ta re-enter the League. >

PLAIN ISSUES FACED. :' - ■ • X ■ v ; * i- - | [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]' RUGBY, May 8. The British questionnaire on the Hitler peace plan emphasises the desirability of the greatest possible precision before general, jiegotiations open, in order that in future no misunderstandings may cloud the confident co-operation of the Powers in Europe which it is hoped the proposed negotiations may advance, In the course of the communication, it is stated the question is really whether Germany now considers the point has been reached at which she can signify she recognises and intends to respect existing territorial and polical status of Europe, except insofar as this might’ be subsequently modified by free negotiation and agreement . Although an elucidation is sought regarding tho many paragraphs in the German, memorandum. It is pointed out that the questions , are not exhaustive. There are other matters which will have to be raised at a later date, and before the return of Germany to the League comps under discussion, the German Govern- i ment will no doubt think it desirable to give some definition of the phrase “Separation of the Covenant of the League of Nations from its basis in the Treaty of Versailles setting,” used in their memorandum. At the moment, however, His Majesty’s Government prefer only to deal with points of elucidation which is essential prior to the opening of general negotiations, which as stated above, they are sincerely desirous of pro- ' moting.