France Fears War

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 181, 31 July 1934, Page 7

France Fears War

But Does Not Fear Germany LATTER’S PREPARATIONS NOT COMPLETE. ENGLAND HOLDS THE KEY. United Press Association—By Electri! Telegraph—Copyright. Received Monday, 10.10 p.m. LONDON, July 30. Mr. G. Ward Price, in an article in the Daily Mail, says:— “France, which is now at the peak of her military strength, fears war, but does not fear Germany. France would take part in any war which began by Germany attacking a Western European Power. She wants Britain to guarantee Holland’s neutrality, in addition to that of Belgium, enabling Holland to allot,' its aerodromes to be used by the British Air Force as bases for counter-attacks against Germany if necessary. - ' ' .- “France does not think that Germany wants war, because her preparations are not complete, though she is convinced that Germany has a concealed air force capable of Instant and formidable offence against France or England in mass formations, against which no great city can be defended.” Mr. Price points out that small States round Germany believe she would annex first Austria, then Czechoslovakia; and then drive through Jugoslavia to the Adriatic. “However, events like Dr. Dollfuss’ assassination may lead Germany into courses Hitler is anxious to avoid. Austria leans heavily on Italy, yet the latter alarms her because, if an Austrian Nazi legion entered Northern Austria from Germany, Italian troops would simultaneously enter Southern Austria. “Prince Starhemberg is courageous but impetuous, and is lacking in knowledge and statesmanship. Ten years ago he supported the Hitler putsch at Munich, but now he leads a Government which believes that' Hitler is its worst enemy. “Many people regard Royalist restoration as the best pledge of peace. Neither the Hohenzollerns nor the Hapsburgs would again lisle their thrones by warfare. “England holds the key to the situation. Hesitation, obscurity and reserve by the British Government would help and not hinder the crash.”