BERLIN CONVERSATIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 27 March 1935, Page 7

BERLIN CONVERSATIONS

Complete Clarification of Respective Points of V|ew ONE COMMON OBJECT KEEPING PEACE IN EUROPE (British Official Wireless) Received; 1.30 p.m. to-day. RUGBY, March 27.

After a short visit to the British Embassy, Sir John Simon and Mr Anthony Eden drove to the Chancellor’s office, where the conversations with Herr Hitler were continued on the points mentioned in the Anglo-French declaration in London of February 3.

A formal statement issued at the conclusion of yesterday’s talk did not specify the topics of discussion, and it is understood that the conversations were in the main general, and to some extent retrospective, being directed towards dispelling misapprehensions on both sides. It is emphasised here that the avowed purpose of the visit was exploratory, and the hope was expressed that this frank, broad exposition of views of both countries on the general situation prepares the way for a review to-day of more detailed proposals of the German Government in regard to specific problems.

Newspapers state that a general survey by Herr Hitler of Germany’s attitude towards the League of Nations is to bo followed by a detailed examination of security problems and, in particular, the German objections to the project for the Eastern pact, based on. mutual military assistance. The situation in regard*o Memel was, it is stated, touched upon in this connection, and later the German views regarding the Franco-Italian agreements for the Danubian pact wore advanced. It is assumed that the attitude of the German Government in reference to these matters and to other questions raised in the communique of February 3 is being elaborated in more precise- detail at the conversations -which conclude this evening.

A later message says the Anglo-Ger-man conversations concluded at Berlin this evening. The morning and afternoon sessions together lasted over six hours. Luncheon was taken at the British Embassy, when the guests included the Chancellor and several of his Ministers, among them being General Goering and Dr. Goebbels. A communique issued this evening was read to journalists assembled at the British Embassy by Sir John Simon, and was as follows: “The Anglo-Ger-man conversations conducted by Sir John Simon and Mr Eden and German Chancellor and Baron von Neurath, in the presence of His Majesty’s Apibassador, Sir Eric Phipps, and the German Commissioner, Herr von Ribbentrop, which have taken place during the last tw r o days concluded to-night. The subjects under discussion -were matters set out in the London communique of February 3. The conversations have been carried on in the frankest and friendliest spirit and have resulted in a complete clarification of the respective points of view. It is established that the aim and poliey of both Governments is to -secure and strengthen peace in Europe by promoting international cooperation. Both the British and German Ministers are satisfied as to the usefulness of the direct conversations which have taken place.”