PACT PROPOSALS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 23 July 1925, Page 5

PACT PROPOSALS

GERMANY’S REPLY

CONCILIATORY IN TONE. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, July 22. The published text of the German note on the security pact confirms the forecast. It points out- that the German suggestions do not represent- a modification of existing treaties, although they do not mean permanent exclusion, peacefully adopting the existing treaties to future changed conditions.

Regarding the treaty provisions concerning military occupation, the note states that the security pact would represent an important innovation, which would be bound to react on the conditions in occupied territories and questions of occupation generally. The Note remarks on th e prominence the Allies -assign to the necessity of Germany concluding treaties of arbitration with neighbours who are signatories of the Peace Treaty, expresses doubts and ;asks for further elucidation in this regard in view of the possibility of the question of deciding whether a disturbance of the peace exists and the application of coercive measures being put in the hands of the contracting parties. Germany is willing to link up her membership with the League of Nations, but until satisfaction is given concerning Article 16 of the Covenant Germany unarmed would be exposed to unlimited danger of involvement in armed conflicts in other countries.

Commenting on the Note the Daily Express says: “It is courteous in tone, but decisive in effect. The Germans have given our note a polite funeral. Their decision delivers the British Empire from a peril which would have ruptured its political and diplomatic unity. Our young men will not now be sent to die- in some squable in the Danzig corridor. The late Mr. Bonar Law declared that we cannot afford to police Europe. Let us hope w e shall hear no more of the pact. We can now resume the task of developing the Empire without the dread of discord.” The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says British circles are reticent, hut the first impression is favourable. Exception cannot be taken to the tone of the note. It reflects tactfulness and finesse, which are Latin rather than Teutonic.

PARIS, July 21. The reply was favourably i-eceivde at the Quai d’Or say. So far as France is concerned, ne goti at ion s* reg ardi n g the pact will certainly begin, but it may l>e a fortnight .before a reply, can be framed. M. Briand is optimistic regarding future negotiations. Paris newspapers insist that the tone of the German note is conciliatory.