EUROPEAN RELATIONS

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1938, Page 5

EUROPEAN RELATIONS

_— BRITISH CABINET Split Denied [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 13. Reports that Mr Eden and Mr Chamberlain are in serious disagreement are given prominence in several Sunday newspapers. They appear to have originated in Berlin, where the Bourse yesterday rose sharply, on a widespread report that Mr Eden had already resigned. Germany and Italy have long been conducting a campaign, through sympathisers in Britain, to discredit Mr Eden, whom they regard as the chief obstacle in the way of gaining their ends. . The “Sunday Times” categorically states, on the highest authority, that there is not a word of truth in the stories of acute differences between Mr Chamberlain and Mr Eden. On the contrary, they are in complete agreement. The Italian press gives prominence to reports that Mr Eden is resigning, declaring that he opposes Mr Chamberlain’s desire for an immediate understanding between England and Italy. The “Daily Mail” says: The majority of the Ministers, including Mr Chamberlain, are anxious to expedite the diplomatic negotiations with Italy but a minority, including Mr Eden, are opposing this. VIENNA, February 13. Herr Ribbentrop is travelling incognito, in a closely-guarded train, to Rome, on a courtesy visit, which was allegedly arranged nine aays ago. The Austrian spokesman says that the visit is not connected with the meeting between Dr. Schuschnigg and -Herr Hitler. ’ - ROME, February 13. The Foreign Office spokesman says that Dr. Schuschnigg’s visit was arranged with the full consent of the Italian Government, in accordance with the co-operation agreed upon by Italy, Austria and Hungary, the signatories to the Rome Protocols, and the Rome-Berlin Axis. SPEECH BY MR EDEN. (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, February 13. Addressing a Junior Imperial League demonstration at Birmingham, Mr Eden said that, while they in Britain were ready to make their contribution to strengthen peace, it was well understood that others must make their contribution, too. “We offer friendship to all, but on equal terms, for it is not by seeking to buy temporary goodwill that peace will be made, but on the basis of frank reciprocacy, with mutual respect. Great importance attaches to the attitude of those who have grown up in these troublous times, when the world is beset with so many anxieties.” Mr Eden said that youth movements in Britain were inevitably different from those »n totalitarian States, but among the voluntary associations which existed, there was ample scope for wider and ever-wider service to the State. “Democracy has its objectives, and must pursue'them in its own way. This does not mean defiance or antagonism towards other countries. Friendship between democracies and dictatorships must not become impossible. We do not wish to see a lasting cleavage of democracies ranging themselves against dictatorships. I feel that the future rests with you, to concentrate not on differences but on what is common to both.” BERLIN, February 13. Mr Eden’s’ statement is welcomed, the political spokesman declaring that Germany is willing to contribute goodwill, but others must do_ likewise. Germany is also opposed to dividing democracies from totalitarians. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA. . VIENNA, February 13. Dr. Schuschnigg has left Berchtesgaden for home. Nothing is definitely known as to the outcome of the discussions, but Fatherland Front officials were informed that the AustroGerman Agreement of 1936 has been strengthened by the talk. Germany recognised Austria’s independence. Herr Hitler and Dr. Schuschnigg agreed on a nine-point programme, including an agreement that Germany will not support the illegal Nazi movement in Austria. Further friendly discussions will be forthcoming.