BRITAIN WELCOMES IT!

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 July 1936, Page 7

BRITAIN WELCOMES IT!

WILL PACIFY CENTRAL EUROPE COMMENT ON AUSTRO-GERMAN ACCORD. <By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Monday, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, July 13. British newspapers generally welcome the Austro-German agreement.

The Daily Telegraph, editorially, says; “There is no reason to doubt ■the good faith of either Hitler or Schuschnigg. If the German pledge is faithfully observed there is no need for the aegis of Italy in shining armour.” The Times congratulates Hitler on bringing off another stroke of policy. Whatever its immediate motive or ultimate intention, the agreement must help to stabilise and pacify Central Europe, improve the economic conditions and pave the way to a permanent settlement between the main branches of the German race.” , The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says the conclusion of the agreement came more rapidly than was expected because the small States, including Austria, who formerly relied implicitly on the League, are now anxiously seeking new guarantees. The Balkan States are actively searching for similar arrangements plus positive assurances from their patrons among the big Powers. The Daily Herald, In a leader, while reserving judgment, sees no immediate threat to European tranquility. The Times’ Berlin correspondent says: “The agreement is prima facie a success for Austria. It covers all she wanted but despaired of obtaining. She can feel gratified by the Reich’s admission that an independent German State can exist without being Nazi.” The Daily Mail’s Rome correspondent says: “Italy hails the agreement as a further triumph for Mussolini’s foreign policy, enormously strengthening Italy’s international situation, rendering her Independent of British and French help and foreshadowing a new European alignment.” The Times’ Paris correspondent says the agreement has been received with that calm which France habitually reserves for an emergency. It is felt that the new Pact could not be better as a solvent of the bitter feelings marking Germany’s efforts to break down Austrian independence, but as the removal of an obstacle to harmony between the two dictators it could not be worse. The possibility of a “Mittel Europa” under German hegemony has become painfully apparent to France. The Manchester Guardian’s Warsaw correspondent says the Pact is regarded as greatly inconvenient for Poland. It is considered it will again direct Hitler’s aspirations towards Eastern Europe.”

Better Atmosphere for European Peace ■ Received Monday, 9.20 p.m. VIENNA, July 13. The Foreign Minister, Dr. Schmidt, interveiwed by the British United Press, hailed the relaxation of the AustroOerman tension and emphasised Austria’s possibilities as the bridge between east and west and north and south under the complete guarantee of her independence. Austria entered the recent negotiations the more easily because her Italo-Hungarian friendships did not conflict with the resumption of normal relations with the Reich.

None of the partners to the Rome agreement intended to create a bloc against that agreement. He foresaw the intensification of Austria’s neigh hourly relations, thereby creating a better atmosphere for the forthcoming international negotiations for a general guarantee of European peace.