REACTION TO SPEECH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 231, 29 August 1938, Page 7

REACTION TO SPEECH

IN FOREIGN CAPITALS. GERMAN COMMENT LIMITED. SATISFACTION IN PRAGUE. (United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph.—Cop yright.) LONDON, Aug. 28. Reactions in the capitals of Europe to Sir .John Simon’s speech may be summed up as follow : Berlin. —Comment by Government officials on the speech is limited. The opinion is expressed that the speech is vague, although Sir John Simon’s eagerness for peace is identical with the policy of Herr Hitler, who is aware that Germany’s anti-war mood will not precipitate a conflict. The Germans refuse to accept the speech as a warning to Germany against war, preferring to regard it rather as a warning to Czechoslovakia. Prague.—Government circles regard Sir John Simon’s speech as being more. important than Mr Chamberlain’s, as it reaffirms the British attitude after the Czech mobilisation in May. It is believed that the speech will restrain German pressure,' enabling the Government and Lord Runciman to gain time to develop a new plan. Paris. —Foreign Office officials interpret the speech as a veiled and timely warning to Germany, as it involves support for France if she is obliged to enforce her treaty obligations. Rome. —The speech is welcomed as it.does not herald a fresh pledge to France, which had been expected. Italy nevertheless believes it is a warning to Germany. _ Washington. —Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State), commenting on the speech, said that the American record for similarity of thought with Britain in the preservation of peace spoke for itself.