FRANCE AND GERMANY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4631, 4 December 1934, Page 4

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

It is the considered opinion of the most prominent statesmen in Europe that if it were possible to bring Prance and Germany together in a spirit of reconciliation, the international position would be cleared in a way which might bring about a settlement of the present differences between the smaller nations. France does not want war but Germany is straining every effort to bring about a restoration of her lost territory, and may even make a resort to arms for this purpose. The feeling against war may be just as strong in Germany as in France, but the people are led to believe that their country has been exploited by the Allied countries, and an appeal is made to their patriotism by Hitler and his Nazis. Yet the German leaders must realise what a gamble it would be for them to start another war in Europe. Their only hope would be a sudden lightning invasion of France with airships and poisonous gas, but France and the other adjacent countries have not been backward in making preparations to meet such an attack. Last week there was a faint glimmering of hope that there might be a reconciliation between France and Germany. It was reported that Hitler's peace envoy was to meet the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and put forward the suggestion that Germany would again join the League of Nations if she were granted equality of armaments and that a discussion should take place regarding the future of the Saar. While France has taken an adamant stand regarding German armaments, and the future of the Saar is a matter which has to be decided by the League of Nations, the fact that Germany is willing to negotiate with France shows that she does not want war, especially in view of the growing friendship between France and Russia. Last week there was a significant debate in the French Chamber of Deputies regarding relations with Germany, when there was a strong feeling shown that the Government should collaborate with Germany in an effort for an understanding between the two countries. The Socialist leader in the Chamber was not very diplomatic, however, when stating that "Hitlerism filled me with horror and execration, and is a barbaric regression. In the interests of peace we are prepared to shake hands, even if their hands are covered with blood." Another factor which has evidently prompted both countries to try to bring about an understanding is the position in the East, a matter which is of deep interest to every country in the world. Now that Russia is in the League it only requires Germany to make that organisation complete so far as Europe is concerned. So long as there

is the possibility of friction in Europe, the outlook in the East and the Pacific will become more menacing day by day. In the meantime it will be interesting to follow developments of the relations between France and Germany.