FUTURE OF GERMANY

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 November 1946, Page 5

FUTURE OF GERMANY

LOW COUNTRIES DEMAND RIGHT TO BE HEARD NOTES TO THE BIG FOUR NEW YORK, Nov. 2. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, in almost identifical Notes delivered to Britain, America, Russia, and France, in their four respective capitals, demanded the right to be heard at the Foreign Ministers’ conference that will draft the peace terms for Germany. The Netherlands Ambassador in Washington, Dr; London, said that as countries that were overrun by the German armies the three Governments believed that they should be permitted to participate all the way through in the deliberations of the Council of Foreign Ministers on all aspects of Germany’s future. The New York Times says the granting of the request wotfld represent a reversal of the policy followed in drafting the peace treaties with the five lesser States in Paris. The Council of Foreign Ministers there prepared the drafts and later submitted them to the smaller nations for discussion. The Notes from the three Powers came as the Big Four Foreign Ministers were preparing to begin then deliberations in New York on November 4 on the final peace, conditions for Italy, Rumania, Bulgaua, Hungary, and Finland. It is expected that an attempt will also be made at the conference to determine Germany’s post-war frontiers. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, after his arrival in New York aboard the Aquitania, called for care, patience, and tolerance in formulating the -peace treaties. “One thing is quite clear eveiybodv wants peace and is tired of conflict and turmoil. One cannot always expect smooth waters, but there is no need for despondency. Asked if he thought the Low c ° u "" tries should participate in the Fo - eign Ministers’ meeting, Mi. Bevm declared that the assistance of Belgium and Holland was essential to determine what was to be done with Germany. ——