FURTHER DISCUSSIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 27 May 1938, Page 2

FURTHER DISCUSSIONS.

BRITAIN AND GERMANY. EXPECTATIONS IN BERLIN... LONDON, April 26. It is authoritatively suggested 'that the German Government _ expects a resumption of the talks initiated when Viscount Halifax recently visited Berlin. The points for discussion are fewer than those between Britain and Italy, but are not less important. It is pointed out that Mr Chamberlain, whose political position has been strengthened by the pact with Italy, firmly believes that the key to Euroj pean problems lies in' “appeasement. People are beginning to wonder what is meant by “appeasement,” but at the moment it is the magic word One of the wittier critics has said that appeasement means putting Italy into Abyssinia without putting her out or Meanwhile Germany most niaintains her eventual claim to colonies',' but it is felt that, for special reasons of bargaining, she would be prepared not to press the matter, immediately. __ , ' . It is expected that Mr Chamberlain will disregard objections arising from Herr Hitler's conquest of Austria, _as he over-rode opposition to the Italian

talks based on similar considerations. Germany insists that no European co-operation" can' be expected for the League of Nations while the Soviet is a member. Berlin also holds that the FrancoSoviet Pact seriously hinders an agreement between the four Western Powers. , - . If Berlin has its way, Czechoslovakia will have, to satisfy a demand that the 8jOOO,OC)0 Bohemian Germans shall come under the rule of the Reich. The ending of the Czecho-Soviet Pact will be demanded, and also the virtual disarmament" of -Czechoslovakia. This would make the Czech nation of 15,000,000 a second Switzerland.