WAR SCARE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 12076, 16 October 1933, Page 5

WAR SCARE

Europe Facing A Crisis.

“GERMANY VERSUS THE WORLD”

HITLER RAILS! AGAINST POWERS

DEMANDS RIGHT of equal armaments,

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel, Copyright)

The evening papers in Vienna and Paris indulged in a war scare until, late in the day, calmer counsels prevailed. League headquarters at Geneva were shaken to their foundations. Mr. MacDonald received the news at Chequers. It is not clear whether Herr Hitler knew the contents of Sir J. Simon’s speech before it was actually delivered hut it is certain that events could hardly have moved faster. It is difficult to believe that the German plans were not already cut and dried, waiting only such confirmation of the Powers’ attitude as the speech would afford. No decision of a great power has caused such sensation since the war years. The British United Press Berlin correspondent says .- “As Sir J. Simon spoke at Geneva. so the German Cabinet sat around the table and read the details. Feelings slowly mounted and, suddenly, the decision was taken to out adrift from the Leogue.”

Mr. Henderson called a meeting of British, French. American and Italian delegates for Sunday to examine the position. Mr. MacDonald is ’'“turning to London to confer with his colleagues. There will be similar conferences with Ministers in Paris and othe>- capitals. Mr. Henderson’s reply to Berlin was as brief as possible, merely acknowledging the receipt of the telegram, which he would submit to the. bureau. The Sunday Times, in an editorial, says: “Germany’s self isolation is a colossal blunder. Her decision is defiance of the world and a blow at constructive effort everywhere.”

“Germany versus the world” is how the Observer describes the situation, which is causing alarm and astonishment throughout the world, notably in Italy, where the officials are bewildered.

SEQUEL TO DISARMAMENTS DISSENSION. GERMANY’S SENSATIONAL ACT. WITHDRAWAL FROM CONFERENCE AND LEAGUE. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS BEEN REFUSED. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 15, 6.50 p.m.) BERLIN, Oct. 14. Herr Hitler issued a manifesto to the nation saying that Germany is most disappointed that despite her readiness to disarm to the utmost, other nations did not desire to fulfil the peace treaty pledges to the German people. The Government, said Herr Hitler, is humiliated by the deliberate refusal of real moral and actual equality, despite the promise of November 11, 1932, as the result of which Germany agreed to participate in the Disarmament Conference. The Government, lie continued, considered the refusal as mi justifiable discrimination, and will not further participate in the negotiations as a second-class power without rights. While the Government reiterates its firm desire for peace, continued the Chancellor, it regrets that the humiliating and dishonoring demands compel its withdrawal from the conference and tlie League, the Government is submitting its decision to the people, from whom it expects a manifestation of a similar desire foi peace, and a similar conception of honor and determination. Continuing, Herr Hitler states: “I am convinced that the nation, like one man will confirm a decision springing from the love of our people and respect for their honor and world peace, which is only possible if .the victor and vanquished -relationship is replaced with equal rights for all who live. Geimany has the opportunity for electing deputies committed to this policy. GERMANY’S EXPLANATION. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY NO LONGER EXIST. (U.P.A. by Elec, Tel. Copyright) (Rec. Oct. 15, S p.m.) GENEVA, Oct. 14. Baron von Nourath s announcement to Mr. Henderson of Germany s withdrawal ' says that .recent discussions indicate that tlie conference will hot fulfil general disarmament, owing to the unwillingness of highly-armed States to carry out their contractual obligations to disarm. This renders it impossible to satisfy Germany’s claim for equality, consequently, the conditions under which Germany agreed to participate no longer exist.

KIXG NOTIFIED

(Received Oct. .15, 11:15 p.m.) LONDON, October 15. The world to-day is face to face witli 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, was dissolved and the Reichstag ordered new elections, while Herr Hitler launched statement after statement throughout the day, railing against the Powers of Europe and demanding' the right of equal armaments. All that appeared lacking was a formal declaration of war.

The news first stunned all the nation and then, for a time, roused fiew .missions. Nazi brass hands marched to the Unter der Linden escorting crowds, cheering the decision.

HITLER’S DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT

REICHSTAG DISSOLVED

PLEBISCITE ON NOV. 12

FRANCE GONE TO LIMIT

GERMANS LEAVING GENEVA

(Received Oct. 15, S p.m.)

GENEVA. Oct. 14

AM E RICA’S A TTIT URE

FIRM STAND WITH ALLIES

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 15, 8 p.m.) BERLIN, Oct. 14

Germany has severed her connection with the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference. Herr i-ntler 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 that the Reichstag was dissolved by a special order by President Mindenburg. A plebiscite is being held on November 12. The list of candidates is being published next week, and electors are to be urged to vote lor, the mail instead of the party.

GERMAN PRESS BLAME BRITISH AND FRENCH•

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 15. 8.15 p.m.) GENEVA, Oct, 14.

After hearing Herr. Nadolny's report, Herr Hitler and the leading Ministers decided that Germany should not make further, concessions. A semi-official statement declares that certain powers are attempting to -eciil'e a convention by which the most heavily armed will not make the slightest step to disarm.

M. Boncour conferred with M. Daladier. It is understood that France lia : s gone to the extreme limit possible in concession. The German press blames the English and the French for the present crisis, and hopes that England will reconsider Germany's precarious position, and recognise in the interests of peace, that concessions are more agreeable than a dissatisfied Germany.

Tlie German representatives diet .not attend this afternoon’s meeting of T-lie League Council.

LONDON, Oct. 14

The King, who is at present at Sandringham, was informed of Germany’s withdrawal through official channels. FOUR-POWER PACT. MUSSOLINI MAY CALL HURRIED MEETING. ROME, Oct, 14. Signor Mussolini may call a hurried meeting of the signatories to the four-power pact. AM ERICA DISAPPOIN TED. WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR DISARMAMENT. WASHINGTON, Oct. If. Germany’s notice of withdrawal from the Arms Conference and the League of Nations impedes the whole movement iior disarmament, Secretary of State, Senator Huh declared to-dav. While seriously disappointed and deeply regretful of the developments, the United States will continue its efforts towards disarmament.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14

The United States is disclosed tonight as standing firmly with her o»e----time Allies in opposition to German re-armament, and in support of the Arms Reduction Plan. The Roosevelt administration asserted, “the disarmament convention could not properly he made an instrumeht for rearmament, and that qualitative equality in armaments should primarily be sought through a. reduction in the armaments of heavily-armed powers not through acts on the part of others to attempt to build up. NEW YORK, Oct. 14.

The New York Times Washington correspondent says that Senator Hull indicated today that the United S'tates Government places squarely upon Germany the blame for slowing down an c ]' impeding the movement toward general disarmament. The German withdrawal apparently came as a surprise to the State Department.

The role of the United States Sen-

AMERICA

NEGOTIATE

at or Hull said, has been throughout the disarmament oonfer,ence one- o* striving wholeheartedly and unremittingly for general disarmament. The action of the Hitler Government halted the spirit of team-work the United States had tried to practise and encourage.

CHANGED

OPPOSE GERMANY

There is no doubt from Senator Hull’s remarks that Britain, France aria 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 today was more a gesture than a treaty violation. , . Senator Hull made it clear that America had not given tip f'opo of attaining measurable disarmament by heavily armed nations. “1 shudder to contemplate the alternative of aI? nations surrendering, and giving up either the efforts or the hope of promoting disarmament and securing it.’’ lie said. „

Among the officials here, there are several who without becoming apologists for the German impatience manifested! today, hold that France a nd Poland notably have been regrettably slow in living up to what they consider the implied disarmament obligations of th'e Versailles Treaty. ROOSEVELT’S BROADCAST. NO THREAT TO PEACE FROM AMERICA. (Rec. Oct. 15, 7.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct 15. Mr. Roosevelt said in a n address to the nation on Friday night. ‘.‘No threat to world Peace emanates from the United States, for we ale overwhelmingly against war. and as a nation we are seeking no additional territory at the expense of our neighbours.” He was addressing the third annual Women’s Conference on Current Problems in New York from "White House. He said that only through constant education and stressing the ideals of peace can those nations threatening the peace of the world by Imperialistic desires lie brought irUo line with the majority against such u policy.

STATEMENT BY SIR J. SIMON

CONVENTION MUST BE RECAST

DISARMAMENT MUST BE REALLY ADEQUATE

(Received Oct. 15. 10 p.m.) GENEVA, Get. 11

At the Disarmament Conference, Sir J. Simon said that the BriA-.sh Government believes that a disarmament convention could not have been agreed upon on a baisis that would provide for any immediate rearmament. Recent confersations have shown that the British draft convention which had been adopted as the framework of the agreement, will require in some respects to be recast. It is designed to cover five jyears, and some Powers wish it to be extended for eight years. So far no objection has been raised to eight years. It will be devoted to securing .two essential conditions (1) A special measure of disarmament actually completed; (2) the achievement of the principle of equality' within the realm of security. The eight-year scheme would begin with the transformation of armaments with adequate supervision through a permanent Disarmament Commission. The exact amount of disarmament to be achieved in eight years must be stipulated in the convention. Britain will not be satisfied if the degree of disarmament iis not set out in full detail and is really adequate. The list of permitted arms will be drawn u'P, and will be the same for all countries. The scheme will thus at the same time achieve substantial disarmament equality, but powers not restricted, by peace treaties shall not begin the increase of armaments immediately, but express heir willingness to conform to a time table.

He added that Britain considers an agreement impossible on the basis of immediate rearmament. The agreement necessary at tlie outset is that no Government shall manutfiicture or acquire weapons of any type that may eventually be abolished. “We earnestly desire the attainment of the equality status”, ho said, “which would best be accomplished by a programme like that of the British.”

SUPPORT BY FRANCE AND

M. Boneour, supporting Sir J. Simon, insisted on tile necessity lor control, .and emphasised that the object of the convention (was to reduce the level of armaments, thus obtaining equality. Mr Davis (United States) reiterated M. Boncur’is argument and said that America would not participate in supervision, unless the treaty contained precise disarmament provisions.

GERMANY PREPARED TO

Herr Von. Rhine Raben demanded that heavily-armed Rowers immediately disarm. Equality should immediately be realised, but Germany was prepared to negotiate in respect of the quantities of arms to which she nvould be entitled.

Commenting on Germany’s withdrawal, the principal delegate of a great Power declared that the place “must be a madhouse”. It seemed impossible that the Hitlerites .were stupid enough to take such a line. They had been toying with a fool of an idea of dividing the great Powers. British quarters in Paris are not surprised and declare it wa§ the only tiling Germany could do to avoid being pilloried' by Europe. GERMANS DISAPPOINTED The inflexibility of Sir J. Simon'iS statement dumbfounded the Germans who are disappointed at tile united froiit presented by Britain, France, America and Italy. The (withdrawal is felt to be the logical consequent of Herr Hitler’s recent utterances.

TAXATION

ARM AMENT SITUATION UN-.

BRITAIN, FRANCE AND AMERICA

(U.P.A. by Elec, Tel. Copyright)

GENEVA, Oct. 13.

There were further exchanges of views between the British, French and American delegates at the -Disarmament Conference at Geneva, but the situation remains unchanged. The attitude of these three powers in regard to German claims for immed'ato rearmament is one of firm opposition It is anticipated that a declaration on these lines, by representatives of Britain, France and the United State's will be made- at to-morro" s meeting of tlie bureau of the Disarmavnei i t Con ference.

In the meanwhile Herr Nadohiy hu s been summoned to Berlin to report to Ids Government. He informed Sir John Simon that he is leaving *'ne affairs of the German delegation in the hands of a competent representative for Saturday’s bureau meetings It is assumed he will return to resume the leadership of the delegation on Monday.

Tlie critical situation which lias been .reached concerning disarmament will be discussed ijt tlie meeting of the bureau of the Disarmament Conference at Geneva tomorrow, when it is anticipated that Sir John Simon will make an important speech reviewing the course of recent conversations. These conversations revealed that France and the United States fully share the view of the British Government that the immediate rearmament of Germany could not he countenanced and that a programme of disarmament by stages is essential.

During the preliminary period control of armaments and military expenditure would l! e exercised n nd would lead after an interval to substantial disarmament of the heavilyarmed powers and fix the quality fo r Germany in regard fo permitted weapons.

Sir John Simon today saw the acting head °f the Italian delegation, and. according to press reports, he informed him of the main lines of his proposed statement. Herr Nadoln.v reported on the situation to his Government in Berlin, and is not expected to resume his duties in Geneva before Monday, when tbe general commission of the conference will meet. The bureau decided that Sir J. Simon’s statement should be transmitted to the general commission for immediate discussion on Monday afternoon. This occasion will provide an opportunity of testing the nature of world opinion as it stands in the light of the latest developments. ONLY A RUSE.' OPINION IN ITALY (Received Oct. 15. 8 p.m.) ROME, Oct. 14. Germany’s action is interpreted as a challenge to the four-Power pact. Some consider it may only be a ruse to obtain further concessions. PARIS, Oct. 14. French newspapers are unanimous that Germany ha s tom off the mask, trampled down fourteen years’ organisation for peace, and isolated her•self, opening the door for an armaments race. GERMAN PRESS WELCOME DECISION (Received Oct. 15. S p.m.) BERLIN, Oct. 14. Newspapers welcome the decision, (which the Deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung says, releases “Germany from an unbearable nightmare, leaving no natural possibilities of life.’’ FORMER PROPOSALS DROPPED. NEW DRAFT CONVENTION POSSIBLE LONDON, Oct. J. The intention to submit a Resolution to the General Commission o' the Disarmament Conference reaffirming no rearmament and disarmament by stages and control has been dropped. H was realised that with Italy wavering and America insisting on Germany’s prior adhesion, the Prospect of a preliminary agreement on the text way impossible. A speech from Sir John Simon is expected, suggesting tli» future procedure. It is possible that a committee of jurists will be established to elaborate a fresh draft convention containing the amendments submitted to the conference. Much depends upon to-day’s Berlin Cabinet meeting, , which ft lie President , Marshal von Hindenburg, attends.

BALDWIN’S WARNING

DANGER OK ARMAMENT RACE

MENACE OF WAR AND HEAVIER

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. Oct. 13

In referring to the disarmament question in a 8.8. C. broadcast talk tonight, Mr. Stanley Baldwin said that no nation since the Great War had done more in the interests of world peace than Britain.

‘‘There can be no doubt of one thing.” he added- ‘‘lf once rearmament began in Europe not only would the dangers of war become a 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.”

PARIS PRESS ASTOUNDED

WILL BRITAIN AND ITALY . SUPPORT FRANCE.

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) <Ro<\ Oct. 15. 7.50 p.m.) PARIS, Oct. 14. The world more than ever is going to live dangerously, declares La Temps appropos of the Hitler thunderbolt. which astounded France. “Liberte” is of opinion the crucial question is whether Britain and Italy will support Franco in checking Germany’s warlike sally.

GERMAN MANIFESTO

READY TO CONCLUDE NONAGGRESSION PACT. . j

EQAULITY MUST BE RECOGNISED

ATTACK ON VERSAILLES TERMS

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel* Copyright) (Rec. Oct 15, 8 p.m.) BERLIN, Oct. 15.

Tlio manifesto of the German Government intimates clearly that the people will joyfully renew their vow to destroy the last German ma-chine-gun, and dismiss the last man from the Army, if other nations will do the same. The Government desires to examine and solve by negotia fion all international questions in a spirit of overcoming war psychology and is ready to conclude non-aggres-sion pacts ensuring long and lasting peace and participate in a general scheme of cultural reconstruction, but consider that the recognition of equality must he precedent thereto It will suffer persecution and affliction rather thaw sign treaties unacceptable to an honor-loving nation, leading to the perpetuation of the Versailles misery and the collapse ot civilisation .

Herr Hitler, in a broadcast, in the evening, declared that nobody had tried so honestly to help to heal the war wounds as Germany. If Germany’s sufferings and 'sacrifices. the greatness of which were not realised, and also the fanatical loyalty with which she destroyed immeasurable quantities of war material in the air, and on land and sea. could not lead to pacification, it "as due to the treaty perpetuating the conceptions of victors toward vanquished.

“PERSECUTED WITH LIES AND SLANDER.”

Here Hitler contended that tbe Nazis turned the threatening catastrophe by Communism from Europe, which constituted a historical service. an f ] added. “Yet the world which we have not harmed, is persecuting us for months with lies and slanders only comparable with those of war. The Nazi revolution was the most bloodless of any yet The Communist empires circulated the atrocity stories. What would tbe world say about Germany if it held a trial Tn favoj- of a man who set fire to the British House of’Parliament for the purpose of deprecating British justice,’’

APPEAL FOR FRENCH FRIENDSHIP

Referring tu France, Herr Hide 1 ’ said, “It would be a gigantic event in the world if France and Germany banished their mutual violence. The German people were ready for such a course. No territorial conflicts exist between us after the return of the Saar. If M. Daladier asks why German youth are marching it is not tr demonstrate against France, but to establish a political concentration against Communism. Nevertheless only the Reichs w ehr is armed. If the rest of the world shuts itself in indestructible fortresses arid builds monstrous aeroplanes, tanks and guns, it cannot speak of menace when Nazis march in fours entirely unarmed. Germany does not demand offensive arms, but right of equality and defensive weapons which ar e allowed to all nations. TOO CRITICAL. -MR. BRUCE REFUSES TO COMMENT. (C.P A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Rec. Oct. 15, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 15. The Australian Press representative at Geneva reports that Mr. Bruce, in reply to an inquiry, said that he regarded the German situation ioo critical and uncertain for comment. UNIFICATION OF GERMANY !FIRST STEP TAKEN LONDON. Oct. 14. The first step taken to complete the unification of Germany was taken by the union of MecklenburgSchwerin and Meckieuburg-Streiitz. The union was unanimously agreed by the sittings of the two Diets at Rot sot k