GENERALLY WELCOME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 14 July 1936, Page 7

GENERALLY WELCOME.

PRESS VIEWS FAVOURABLE.

ELEMENT OF STABILITY,

LONDON, July 13. The newspapers generally welcome the Austro-German agreement.

The Daily Telegraph, editorially, says: “There is no reason to doubt the good faith ot either Herr Hitler or Dr. Sehuschnigg. If the German pledge is faithfully observed there is no need for protection by Italy in shining armour.” The Times congratulates Herr Hitler in bringing off another stroke of policy, whatever its immediate motive or ultimate intention, as the agreement must help to stabilise and pacifj Central Europe, improve economic conditions, and pave the way for - 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 small States, including Austria, who formerly relied implicitly on the League, are how anxiously seeking new guarantees. The Balkan States are acti\ ely 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 tranquillity. The Berlin correspondent of the Times says that the agreement is prima facie a success for Austria. It covers all she wanted but despaired of obtaining. She can feel gratified by the Heidi’s admission that an independent German State can exist without being Nazi. The Daily Mail’s Borne correspondent says that Italy hails the agreement as a further triumph for Signor Mussolini’s foreign policy, enormousllv strengthening Italy’s international situation, rendering her independent of British and French help, and foreshadowing a new European alignment. Tho Paris correspondent of tne Times says that the agreement has been received with the calm that France habitually reserves for an emergency. It is felt that the new pact could not be better as a solvent of tho bitter feelings marking Germany’s efforts to break down Austrian independence, but, as the removal of an obstacle to the hai mony of the two dictators, it could not be worse. The possibility of a Mittel Europa (Middle Europe) under German hegemony has become painfully apparent to France.