HITLER’S SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1939, Page 5

HITLER’S SPEECH

FEAR OF BRITAIN

NAVAL TREATY REMOVED.

(United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright),

LONDON, April 28.

In his speech to the Reichstag Herr Hitler announced that he was sending a communication to Britain that the basis of the German-British Naval Treaty had been removed.

“Since England holds the view that Germany should be opposed in all .circumstances, and confirms this by a policy of encirclement, the basis of the naval treaty is, removed; but if Britain wishes to re-enter negotiations none would be happier than 1 at the prospect of a clear, straightforward understanding. I have never left room for doubt of my belief that the existence of the British Empire is of inestimable value to the whole of human cultural and economic life.

“My original proposal for voluntary restriction of naval armaments was based on the will and conviction that a Britisih-German war was impossible. This will and this conviction,are alive in me to-day, but England’s policy, official and unofficial, leaves no doubt that the conviction is not shared in London. ■ ' “On the contrary, the opinion prevails in London that no matter what conflict Germany may some -day be engaged in, uritain will always have the side against 'the Reich. I profoundly regret such a development, for the only claim I have ever made and ever shall make against England is for the return of colonies. I have, already made it clear that this will never cause military conflict.” Herr Hitler disclosed that he had made a definite offer to Poland that Danzig should become a free State within the framework of the Reich. As a result of Poland’s rejection of this offer, he regarded the GermanPolish treaty as no longer in existence. HEARD IN AMERICA. (Received this day at 11.35 a.m.) NEW YORK. April 28. \ Millions at Breakfast heard Hitler’s speech broadcast throughout the nation over all networks. The reference to Roosevelt was only what was anticipated but the denouncement of Polish friendship pact aroused forebodings that another Munich was brewing. 5 Wall Street reacted favourably. Leading stocks advanced a point in ah initial burst, .but thereafter buy-' ing fluctuated.

OFFICIAL COMMENT. " (Received this day at 11 a.in.) WASHINGTON, April 28. . Official comment is withheld on Hitler’s speech, probably until Hitler replies specifically to White House, It is feared in srime quarters that Britain may scon be called on to implement the guarantee of Poland’s integrity. The speech is expected to drive Poland closer to Russia. (Received this day at 11.38 a.m.). NEW YORE, April 28. The estimate of popular reaction to Hitler’s speech cannot avoid mention of the umbrage felt, not only over the refusal to consider Mr Roosevelt’s proposals, but the manner in which he sarcastically imputed meddling upon the President’s part. Generally speaking there was little or no surprise, and those who objected to Roosevelt’s policy will tend to stress that he left himself open to the very sort of treatment which he received from both Mussolini and Hitler.

Proponents of Roosevelt’s message take refuge in the thought that Mr Roosevelt accomplished all he expected from it, namely that the dictators place themselves plainly on record, and Hitler’s renunciation of the Polish and British naval treaty is instanced as a proof that President Roosevelt’s message, far from beclouding the issue, has clarified it by forcing Hitler more and more out into the open.

A feeling persists that it is but another development bringing closer the inevitable joining of the issue between the Dictatorships and the Democracies. Administration leaders may use Hitler’s reply as ammunition to secure discretionary power for the President in the impending neutrality legislation, a revision of which, incidentally, is being considered in Congressional hearings at present taking place. It is felt that Herr Hitler’s speech may harden American opinion toward implementing President Roosevelt’s policy to aid the aggressed against aggressors with all meags “short of war.”