FIRST HAND IMPRESSIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 28 March 1935, Page 5

FIRST HAND IMPRESSIONS

Piecing Together of Views of European States DIFFERENCES ANTICIPATED “EXPLORATORY” VISITS

(British Official Wireless) . Received noon to-day. RUGBY, March 27. Sir John Simon left Berlin by air. Herr Hitler had sent a special guard, who presented arms as Sir John entered the aeroplane. It is generally agreed in London that whatever those impressions were, and whatever the facts and views collected during .the visit, it is well that they should have been obtained at first hand by the British Minister directly responsible for the foreign policy from the German Chancellor himself.

By the time Mr Anthony Eden has returned from Moscow and Warsaw and Prague, .the views of nerly all the European states principally concerned, will have been obtained, and a., start will be made to fit them into a picture, the first stage in this process being the Stresa conference between Sir John Simon, Signor Mussolini and M. Laval. The Berlin visit of the British statesmen maintained throughout its “exploratory” nature, and no attempt was made to reach any agreement of any sort. There was in the minds of the British Ministers lie question of any direct Anglo-German agreement, since it is a general European agreement that is aimed at, and in this the other powers have naturally a direct concern—not only France and Italy, but also, among others, those countries to which Mr Eden is now proceeding. It is remarked by The Times that, although in such an excessively complicated matter, differences, and sometimes very serious differences ( are bound to exist, these direct meetings, even though they bring out differences, are the most hopeful way to success.

Sir John Simon reached London today, breaking his journey at Amsterdam. He was welcomed by the Netherlands Foreign Minister, Dr. De Graeff, and after luncheon his journey was resumed. On his arrival at Croydon Sir John Simon was met by the German Ambassador, Herr Von Hoesch, and 'Lady Simon. He proceeded immediately to the Foreign Office and later attended a meeting of the Cabinet called to receive his report on his visit.

The Prime Minister was asked by Major Atlee in Parliament whether it would bo possible for the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on his visit. He requested Major. Attlee to repeat his question to-morrow.