TRIPLE ACCORD

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXV, Issue 12912, 14 July 1936, Page 5

TRIPLE ACCORD

/. DICTATORS 1 FRONT. ITALY, AUSTRIA AND GERMANY i:.;A '• U X : L ■ 5 >. FRANCE TAKEN BY SURPRISE. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). LONDON, July 12. The Sunday Times welcomes the Austro-German agreement and states it is not disposed to look behind and ■around it in order to find hidden or s inis ter mot i v.as. “Wo ought to welcome any ancl every agreement turning enemies ■into friends,” says the Sunday Times. The Sunday Chronicle describes events, as moving swiftly and dramatically to the formation of a dictators’ front in Europe with a new and formidable triple alliance of Italy, Austria and Germany. A Paris message says that the agreement has taken France by surprise. L’Tntrnnsigcant says it is unnatural for a man like Herr Hitler to suddenly concede so important a point in policy without obtaining a quid pro cpio. Several Paris papers suggest that a secret agreement exists between Italy and Germany. A Berlin message quotes the Tagoblatt ns expressing the hopes that anxious souls who regard Austria as Europe’s powder barrel will now be able to sleep. “Let us regard the agreement as the first sign that Europe is conquered by a real desire for peace” concluded the journal. A Rome message reports the Popoio d’ltalia as saying that Italy claims an active part in the Austro-German agreement and that the common policy which will follow the agreement will end a dangerous state of affairs, which far too often has caused misunderstandings between Italy and Germany. “The cause of peace will benefit from the accord which also brings a great improvement in Italian relations with Germany..” says the journal. BRITISH AND CONTINENTAL COMMENT ANOTHER STROKE OE HITLER POLICY (TT.P.A. hr Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received July 13, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 13. The newspapers generally welcome the Austro-German agreement. The Daily Telegraph, editorially says:— “There is no reason to doubt the good faith of either President Hitler .or Dr. Schmschnisg. If the German pledge is faithfully observed, there is no need for the aegis of an Italy in shining armour.” The Time-si congratulates President Hitler on - bringing off another stroke of policy, whatever its immediate motive of ultimate intention, as the agreement must help to stabilise and pacify Central Europe, improve econo, mio conditions,' and pave the way to permanent settlement, between the main branches of the German race. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says:— “The conclusion of the agreement came more rapidly than had been expected, because the small States, including Austria, who formerly relied implicitly on the League, are now anxiously seeking new guarantees. The Balkan States are actively searching for similar arrangements, plus positive assurances from patrons among the b’g Powers.” The Daily Herald, in a leader, while reserving judgment, secs no immediate threat to European tranquility. The Times Berlin correspondent says:— “The agreement is prime, facie a success for Austria. It will cover all slid wanted but despaired of obtaining.' She can feci gratified by the Reich’s admission that an independent German State can exist w i til on t being Na zi.” The Daily Mail’s Boiuc correspondent ’says:— “Italy hails the 'agreement as a further triumph for Signor Mussolini’s foreign policy and as enormously strengthening Italy’s international situation. , rendering her independent of. British and French help arid foreshadowing a now European a 1 ignment.” The Times Paris correspondent says:— “Tile agreement has been received with calm France habitually reserves for nil emergency. It is felt the new pact could not bo better as a. solvent of the bitter feelings marking Germany’s efforts to break down Austrian independence but as a rcmovail of an obstacle to the harmony of two dictators it could not be worse. The possiblity of a Mit.tel Europe under .German hegemony has become painfully apparent to France.”

The Manchester Guardian’s Warsaw correspondent says:— “The pact is regarded as greatly inconvenient for Poland. It is considered that iit will, again; direct President Hitler’s aspirations towards Eastern 'Europe.” L i> AUSTRIA AS A BRIDGE. . . HJ.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received July 1.3, 7.50 1 p.m.). ’ VIENNA, July 13. The Foreign Minister, Dr Schmidt, interviewed ' by a British United .Press corcrspondont,' said he hailed the relaxation of the Austro-Gorman tension. He emphasised Austria's pns sibililies as a bridge between east and west and north and south under a'complete guarantee of her independence. Austria had entered the recent negotiations more easily, be»causo here It.ilo-Huugarian friendships did not conflict with the resump tion of normal relations with flu: Reich. None of the partners to the Romp intended to create a bloc against that agreement. He foresaw tho intesification' of Austria’s neigh hourly rolatidnsj' thereby ! e r r eating a better a'tmosfihoro 'for' the forthcoming international negotiatiohs and foi* a' general guarantee of' European peace. ' 1 '