BREACH OF TREATIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 94, 20 March 1936, Page 9

BREACH OF TREATIES

GERMANY HELD GUILTY LEAGUE COUNCIL UNANIMOUS REICH DELEGATE’S ADDRESS (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received March 20, 9.20 a.m. LONDON, March 19. For the first time since she walked out of the League of Nations, Germany, to-day, attended the Council meeting, when Herr Yon Ribbentrop headed the delegation which had been invited by the League. The Council carried unanimously the French and Belgian resolution finding that Germany has committed a breach of the Locarno and Versailles Treaties. Full agreement had been reached earlier by the Locarno Powers. The voting was eleven to nil. Chile abstained, and Ecuador was absent. The “Ayes” consisted of Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Britain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Russia, Spain, and Turkey. Mr S. M. Bruce invited the parties to the dispute to register their votes, which would not, however, be recorded. France and Belgium voted in the affirmative, and Germany in the negative. . Herr Von Ribbentrop issued a statement regretting the result and declaring that there would not have been that decision it the members of the Council had had time to study his observations. THE GERMAN ARGUMENT. Herr Yon Ribbentrop declared that Germany was attendingl the Council in an endeavour to contribute to clearing the existing political situation. “I have undertaken this mission with real satisfaction, fully convinced that the Council has never been presented with a cause more righteous, and also hoping that .this, the first, resumption of relations between Germany and the League will mean the turning point in the history of Europe,” declared the delegate. “After the manifold confusions of the post-war years, the Locarno Treaty has left one of the most important and most populous portions of Germany without military protection. From the standpoint of higher justice such a limitation of sovereign rights would, in the long run, prove an intolerable condition, yet Germany lias observed it, expecting that the other Locarno Powers would as faithfully observe their obligations. France, however, lias concluded the Franco-Soviet Pact—an alliance which is most serious for Germany because it will bring together 275,000,000 people. The contracting Powers, each by lliemselves very strong military Powers, are in an alliance exclusively directed against Germany. Russia, through a similar alliance with Czechoslovakia, has advanced her boundaries to tlie German frontier. France and Russia, in certain circumstances, could name the aggressor without referring to the League and thus make war against Germany,” Herr Yon Ribbentrop stated.

TENSE ATMOSPHERE. Herr Von Ribbentrop, sturdy and self-possessed, entered the Council chamber in deep conversation with Herr Von Schnieden and took the last seat hut one on the extreme right of the horseshoe table. He talked a few minutes with his fellow Germans, rose and walked round the table and shook hands 1 with M. Elandin and Signor Grandi. He then took his typewritten speech from his despatch case. The atmosphere had not been so tense or expectant since the Council had commenced its meetings. Spring sunshine Hooded the room when Mr S. M. Bruce opened the session. He asked the delegates to consent to their photographs being taken, and then declared : I call upon the representative of Germany. The latter, remaining in his seat, in accordance with League custom, spoke in rapid and distinct German. M. FI and in (France) leaned back, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. S’.gnor Grandi (Italy) folded his arms on the table, his face inscrutable. Mr R. A. Eden (Britain) made copious notes. M. Litvincff (Russia) leaned carelessly forward, hut was not less attentive than his fellow delegates. M. Van Zeeland (Belgium) was upright and alert. Herr Von Ribbentrop spoke faster as he progressed, his entire speech occupying only 2o minutes. ERANCO-RUSSIAN PACT. Herr Von Ribbentrop launched into a long legal dissertation aimed at proving that the clauses designed to bring the Franco-Soviet Pact into harmony with the League were invalid. He added that if the present situation had existed when Locarno was signed it would be impossible to believe that Germany would have undertaken the obligations of the Pact. Germany was 'at present without militaiy alliances and would be at a terrible disadvantage in the event of trouble. Nevertheless, she had accepted the Franco-Polish and Franco-Czechoslova-kian Treaties, but none could expect her to tolerate the Franco-Soviet 1 act. “The situation amounts to this, that in the event of any conflict between Germany and a third State France will be empowered to interfere according to her own judgment he said. “Germany would never have concluded the Rhine Pacts had such views obtained at the time. Ihe Franco-Soviet alliance constitutes a_ complete upsetting of the iormer European balance of power. It als'o sets aside the fundamental legal and political premises on which Locarno was concluded. Because France has tailed Germany has been compelled to reach equality in armaments in her own fashion. RHINE PACTS VOIDED.' “Germany maintains that the Franco-Soviet Treaty is contrary to the European system pf security-laid down at .Locarno; tlierelore the Rhine Pacts, infringed by the unilateral action of France ,are nullified. lien Hitler could not remain inactive esspecially, as he had held out the hand of reconciliation to France on numerous occasions since he had assumed power, yet all liis offers of. pacification had been refused, Hen Von Ribbentrop declared.

“It is impossible to violate a treaty already null and void by the action of another partner. I am convinced that every responsible statesman present, who loves his people as Herr Hitler loves his would have acted in the same manner. I must, explain, in the name of the German Governnieni, that if the accusation of unilateral action is raised Germany will be-obliged to reject it because it is not also raised against France. “COMPELLED TO ACT.” “I will not discuss the important question of whether it is possible to bring before llie Hague Court the scope of a clause such as Article 16 of the Covenant which concerns our case. The problem has a political in addition to a legal significance on which a decision could not be expected from a Court of law, especially as The Hague Court is not merely a Court of peace but a political institution. Germany has been still less able to clear up matters by negotiations with the Locarno Powers. Such attempts would never have led to a practical goal. The Locarno Powers, tor reasons unknown to Germany, have ignored all German arguments. Germany therefore has been compelled to act. She has now re-established her * sovereignty and achieved long-desired equality. She is willing and ready to end the regrettable chapter of mistakes. A heavy political and spiritual burden has been removed from the German people, who now have only the upright wish to live in peace and friendship with tlicir neighbours and work for the reconstruction of the real solidarity of Europe,” the speaker declared. FORCED VOTE SOUGHT.

It is understood that Herr Von Ribbentrop, after hi. 1 ? speech, asked for a secret session ol the Council preceding the public meeting to force an immediate vote, not leaving the of the Council sufficient time to deliberate, and expressed surprise when the Council refused.

Herr Von ltibbentrop’s move embarrassed Mr Bruce, but M. Flandin came to the rescue and moved that the Council should be adjourned until the afternoon, saying the vote could then be taken. He added: lam too courteous, even to the Germans, to impose an immediate vote. HITLER’S BACKING.

Members of the Council noted that Herr Yon Ribbentrop persistently described the Franco-fcioviet Pact as a Franco-Soviet military alliance. German circles emphasise that' Herr Von Ribbentrop was in constant telephonic communication with Herr Hitler. His statement was made with t-iie full backing and approval of the Chancellor. STAGE BY STAGE. PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS. SECURITY GUARANTEE. (Times Cables.) LONDON, March 18. The political correspondent of the Times says that tor various reasons, notably the French and German elections, general negotiations for a new Western European settlement cannot be begun in the immediate future. Three phases are therefore envisaged: Firstly, the present phase in which the League Council is asked to pronounce on the German violation of treaties. Secondly, an interim phase of preparation for future negotiations. Thirdly, actual negotiations. The Locarno Pact signatories are at present trying to draft an agreed programme. indicating, firstly, the measures to be applied during the interim phase; and, secondly, methods and stages regarded as appropriate for negotiating a settlement and the final objectives which the negotiators should endeavour to reach. The British sug-

The whole of Germany hoped the Franco-Soviet Pact would not be ratified. , . . Herr , Hitler was conscious ot liis grave responsibility for Germany’s destiny and took the only possible step and restored the full sovereignty oi the Reich over the entire Reich, firstly, because the action of France had invalidated the Rhine Pact; and, secondly, because the primitive rights of a nation for security over her owil territory had to be restored without delay ’ Germany, must, therefore, reject. as incorrect and unjust the accusation that she had violated Locarno.

gestion for a neutral zone under the protection of an international police force along the western frontier of Germany was intended to apply only to the phases preceding a final settlement. It was thought that such a. measure might ensure the removal of all local friction and eliminate any danger of an armed incursion. The suggestion was quickly transformed during the latter discussion, but the idea behind it is still in existence.

One proposal known to have been mentioned was a thin line of Italian and British troops along the Rhineland frontier, Britain and Italy being the least affected Locarno Powers. Another British suggestion ivas that Germany should undertake not to construct fortifications. This again was intended a.s a temporary measure pending a general settlement. The question of French and Belgian security was also considered in two aspects, namely, temporary and permanent. The British Government (again pending a general settlement) may give France and Belgium more explicit assurance of its full observance of its Locarno Pact obligations. It is even conceivable that it might agree to make operations of the Locarno guarantee automatic, which necessitates consultation between the general staffs. The British Government if of opinion that the Council to-morrow shoilld proceed to vote on the Franco-Belgian resolution asking it to take note or Germany’s infraction of the treaties. It will then clearly be necessary to take a decision on procedure, which must depend partiv on the latest conclusions of the Locarno signatories and partly on Herr Von Ribbentrop s expected speech.' VIEW UNCHANGED. MR BRUCE’S COMMENT. Received March 20, 11.15 a.m. LONDON. March 19. Mr S. M. Bruce, opening the public session of the League Council this afternoon, and speaking as the representative of Australia, said he had listened attentively to Herr Von Ribbentrop s statement which, however, had not altered his view of his duty on the resolution which he had supported. Ihe statements of the French and Belgian delegates had shown great moderation in the face of the trying circumstances confronting the world. After the Council vote. Herr Von Ribbentrop added that Germany rejected the resolution from its innermost conviction. It was not Germany, but France, which had brought the treaty to nought. The German Government and nation held a deep conviction that the resolution of the Council would not be maintained by the judgment of history . M. Flandin said he would not have spoken but for Herr Von Ribbentrop’s remarks. France felt that by international law none was able to judge in his own cause. He wished solemnly to reiterate that he was prepared, if Germany desired, to submit to The Hague Court the dispute which Herr Von Ribbentrop had seen fit to raise again. After the vote the Council adjourned until to-morrow. WELL SATISFIED. M. FLANDIN’S COMMENT. RETURN TO PARIS. (British Official Wireless.) Received March 20, 11.50 a.m. KUGIiY, March 19. The midnight conference of the representatives of the four Locarno Powers lasted- four hours, and at its conclusion there were indications that the tension of the past few days had to some extent been relieved. M. Flandin, on leaving tlio meeting, expressed Uimself as well satisfied witn its work and, mthough he refused to give details, he told the Press that an agreement in principle had been reached. It is understood the French Foreign Minister will immediately lay before his colleagues in Paris the proposals which have emerged in the London conversations, and that the British Cabinet Ministers will also be called together to hear a report from Mr R. A. Eden and to take decisions upon it. Meanwhile, although many rumours are current regarding too lines upon which the committee of four has been working, no authoritative information has been given. llerr Von Ribbentrop paid a courtesy call on Mr Eden at the House of Commons, and later visited the Foreign Office to inquire about the Council procedure. Mr Eden was then engaged at a meeting of the Committee of Four, and Lord Cranborne received Herr Von Kibbentrop ■ and explained that , the information he desired could not be given by any one delegation, and at his suggestion the German delegate got into touch with Mr S. M. Bruce, the President of the League Council. The Prime Minister announced in the House of Commons at question time that he hoped it would be possible to make a full statement on the international situation. , . The discussions between Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy, which broke up after 2 a.m. were resumed for an hour and a half this afternoon before the meeting of the League Council. Statements issued later by the Foreign Office and the French delegation declare that a great deal of satisfactory progress has been made in the task untiringly pursued of securing a common outlook among the Locarno Powers other than Germany. M. Flandin and M. Van Zeeland returned by air this afternoon to consult with the French and Belgian Cabinets. The Foreign Secretary went on from the Council this afternoon to a meeting of the British Cabinet in the Prime Minister’s room. SWISS DEFENCES. BERNE, March 18. The Government will erect a cha.in of forts along the Swiss Rhine to the Bavarian Alps. Preliminary surveys have been completed, barricades and mines-prepared at the most vulnerable spots on the frontier and the guards strengthened.