BRITAIN FIRM

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 92, 30 March 1936, Page 7

BRITAIN FIRM

No Postponement of Staff Consultations CONCERN IN BERLIN (By Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright.) (Received 30, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 28, According to the “Sunday Times" diplomatic correspondent Herr von Ribbentrop suggested to Mr. Eden that it would be better if the discussions between the British, French and Belgian General Staffs were postponed, because they were causing concern in Berlin. Mr. Eden firmly replied that the conversations must proceed, as they represented the Powers’ decision as distinct from the proposal to Germany. Ministerial circles in London point out that the staffs’ contact is a purely temporary measure and is limited to fulfilling that clause of tho White Paper which provides that the German breach has not freed the signatories from their liabilities. If the negotiations are successful, the German staff will doubtless participate in the conversations which will be necessitated by mutual-assistance pacts. Herr von Ribbentrop’s interview With Mr. Eden has not relieved the situation. “The Times” diplomatic correspondent says: “German’s attitude is still unconstructive. Although the idea of an international police force has been shelved, Herr von Ribbentrop has not indicated concessions, regarding either reference of the Franco-Soviet Pact to the Hague Court or re-fortification of the Rhineland.. The latter would be most helpful. Moreover, as only a small delay would be involved, Germany would not be sacrificing vital interests." The "Manchester Guardian’s” diplomatic correspondent says: "Herr von Ribbentrop’s attitude verged on the undiplomatic, resulting in some thing approaching an Anglo-German crisis. Herr von Ribbentrop especially objected to Britain’s continued collaboration with France and Belgium, which Germany resents as it thwarts one of the main objects of German policy, which is the separation of France and Britain. Indeed, unless Germany can play off one against the other, she has no interest in making any concessions.” It is understood that Mr Eden asked Herr von Ribbentrop to convey to Herr Hitler the important point that the counter-proposals should not involve another vast scheme embracing an almost limitless future, but should be practical suggestions bridging the difficult and immediate future as a prelude to larger discussions. BARRACKS PHOTOGRAPHED Plane Over Holland AMSTERDAM, March 29. A German aeroplane flew over Venloo and is reported to have photographed the barracks.