EUROPEAN RELATIONS

Grey River Argus, 9 May 1936, Page 7

EUROPEAN RELATIONS

BRITAIN AND GERMANY A Frank Parley HITLER’S WISHES ASKED FOR. (Ans. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON. -May 7. Sir E. Phipps handed the British questionnaire to Baron von Neurath. “The Times’s’’ Berlin correspondent says: Semi-official circles describe the British document as polite, but complicated. At present. ,t is not being published, but it is understood to consist of seven or eight type-written sheets. which contain many cross references to the three German proposals made during March, (.'specially referring to the constructive side of Hitler’s policy, on which they form a running commentary, interspersed with friendly inquiries, so trained as to induce a sincere responseby the sincerity of their inquisitiveness.

They also offer tentative interpretations of Hitler’s public stutements. Hitler will be asked whether the definitions and conditions In- outlined to Sir .1. Simon last year are still valid, and although he will not be directly asked whether he will abstain in future from repudiation of engagements, or whether the Rhineland demilitarisation is the last so-called ‘‘inequality.’-’ information is sought concerning Germany’s relations with her neighbours, German colonial ambitions. and how the Covenant and peace treaties can best be separated. Germany is ready to discuss the questions orally, but a written reply will take some time, and would not be ready before the League meeting on Mav IL

Mr. Mander asked in Iho Commons whether it was not clear there was now a divergence of Empire policy regarding mandates, and whether consultations with the Dominions, with a view to a united policy, were not desirable. Mr. M. MacDonald did not reply. 'fiio “Morning Post’s’’ special Berlin correspondent says: The extent of the German plebiscite being “looked” is at last becoming known. Spoil od papers amounted to at least 37 per cent. The verdict was all the more striking, in view of the fact that the ballot was only nominally secret, and it alarmed the Nazi leaders. Continental Fears GERMANY—NOT ITALY. LONDON. May 7. Thc< Diplomatic Correspondent of the “Guardian” says: The phrase “period of stocktaking,” circulated with official approval, seems to indicate that the Government is reviewing the whole international situation, preparatory to making momentous decisions. It is now realised that th.. Continental Sanctions countries, with the exception of Jugo-Slavia. hail only one thing in common, namely, fear of Germany. They consider that Italy is quo in Central Europe, as only a strong essential to the defence of the status Italy can keep Germany from annexing Austria, leading to general war in Europe. Those anxieties are deepening on the Continent, and arc> even affecting Whitehall. NEW FRENCH REGIME. UXCTHRTAINTY OVER BRITAIN. PARIS, May 7. M. Blum, the probable next French Premier, interviewed by the “lieraid’s” Paris correspondent, said: The Popular Front Government will devote itself to saving what is salvagable in international law, am] will demand the immediate convocation of the adjourned Disarmament. Conference. Britain can rely on France supporting collective action by the League. It; would be tragic if Britain should fail to support these great causes, the moment. France is ready to support them with all her might. It was distressing that the electors had not had the opportunity of expressing their views in time to save Abyssinia, but if the past was not in our hands, the future is. french financial crisis. FRANC SLUMPING- BADLY. PARIS. Muy 7. The Hight from the franc was accentuated owing to the panic of small inventors. The Bourse was so weak that the* Government was forced to deny rumours it was closing next week. The Bank of France stock is the lowest for twelve years.

THE LEAGUE DEFENDED. WELLINGTON. May 8. International affairs, with particular reference to the present situation and the part played by the League of Nations, were dealt with by Mr. H. Dunean Hall, a member of the Information Section of tho Secretariat of the League of Nations, in an address to the annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the League of Nations Union. Mr. Hall said it was his personal opinion that the policy adopted by the League up to the present was right. A country with the policy of isolation could arm to the teeth, and its anus would not protect it. They must be prepared to defend the things for which they stood. The policy of 'solation was one. of anarchy and suicide, and they had to face that fact. The alternative was to join the defence system with those of other countries. It may be said that such a system had proved inadequate, but we should do the best possible with it. It was necessary to get back to something of the clearness of vision that brought about the cohesion of the League. In the next few years, they would have to face serious, tremendous issue. It was not certain they would get through. Mr. Hall went on to stress the importance of the League to the British Commonwealth of Nations, which had stood for a great deal in the history and in building up and strengthening the collective system. S. AFRICAN OPINION. CAPE TOWN, May 6. “ Sanctions should be continued against Italy for years, if necessary,

in order to re-establish a reign of law,’’ declared General Hertzog in a speech in the Assembly. He was replying to the Republican Opposition members’ statements that the League has failed. He declared: “The League has not failed, but it will indeed have failed if, next week, it decides to remove the Sanctions. In that case, the League will be dead.’’