Russia! There is the Enemy!

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 45, 24 February 1936, Page 7

Russia! There is the Enemy!

Germany Fears Her Eastern Neighbour

Possible Franco-Soviet Pact Stirs Europe

United Press Assn.—By Elective Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 22. The Times’ Berlin correspondent says Germany’s hostility to the Franco-Soviet Pact is compounded of indignation, fear and genuine, regret that France in linking up with the Eastern and Communist State, is making ’Western European understanding more difficult. The whole Nazi movement is based on the defeat of Communism for which reason, the argument that Germany has only to even out matters by joining the Pact, is treated with scorn. The-idea that Soviet Russia and Hitlerite Germany might under any circumstances bo found fighting on the same side is simply ridiculed. The Deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung expresses the universally held view when it says: “Soviet Russia to-day shows tho face of Janus despite all disavowals and subterfuges. The Soviet foreign policy and Comintern are Siamese twins.” There is also complete agreement xvith M. Herriot’s high estimate of the value of the Red Army. The Russian soldier is declared to be of excellent fighting material and the leadership of officers and non-commissioned officers of a higher standard than, ever before. Moreover, Russia is paying enormous attention to air power. It is argued that if the Franco-Soviet Pact is signed, Germany must have an air force in the East calculated separately from any equality of strength agreed to between the Western Powers. All these arguments may be summed up in the one phrase: “Russia! There is the enemy!” and by this, Germany does not mean only the enemy of Germany, but of all European civilisation. An official statement reiterates that Germany regards the Franco-Soviet Pact as “a flagrant violation of the Locarno treaty.”

FRANCE HERSELF BECOMES ANXIOUS REACTION FOLLOWS REACTION Received Sunday, 7.60 p,m. PARIS, Feb. 22. The German communique declaring that the Franco-Soviet Pact violates the Locarno Treaty is causing alarm, newspapers anticipating that Germany intends to use the pact as an excuse to move troops to the Rhineland. Le Midi’s Berlin correspondent expresses the opinion that the growing Italo-German friendship is reported to bo deeply impressing Balkan countries. The French Foreign Office Spokesman says that France does not accept the German thesis that the Franco-Soviet Pact contravenes Locarno and its ratification cannot serve as an excusefor remilitarisation of the Rhineland as tho terms only provide for mutual assistance in the event of Germany’s unprovoked aggression after the League’s normal procedure. The Belgian Ambassador has asked M. Flandin, Foreign Secretary, what the French attitude would be if Germany retorted to the pact by a denunciation of the Locarno Pact’s military measures. Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 22. The Observer’s Paris correspondent says that in the event of a German repudiation of the demilitarisation clauses of the Locarno Pact, it is expected France will appeal to tho League and look to Britain to honour her Locarno obligations. Moreover, if Germany presses for a “peaceful” revision of Locarno and France receives other guarantees of security, she might agree to German troops reoccupying the demilitarised zone but would oppose Germany building fortifications which would increase the danger of war by enabling 300,000 men to hold the frontier and freeing the remainder of Germany’s armies to begin an eastern war of conquest. The Observer’s Berlin correspondent says the official spokesman denies the French rumours regarding tho Rhineland, including the one that Hitler conferred with his generals regarding the matter, adding that Germany has more important things to do than plunge into war. Therefore Germany welcomes French concern. She is apparently playing on the fears of French politicians for the purpose of increasing the difficulty of the ratification of the Franco-Russian Pact but would not denounce demilitarisation of the Rhineland owing to fears of severe repercussions in Europe. Germany is active in other directions planning to increase her political influence and secure larger markets in the Balkans.

FEARS RUSSIA’S POLITICAL SYSTEM WOULD WELCOME TRENCH FELLOWSHIP Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 22. The Marquis of Londonderry has returned from a private three weeks’ visit to Germany during which he conversed with Hitler, Goering, and other members of the German Cabinet. He declares that everywhere he found a most friendly feeling toward Britain. ‘<l am certain the development of the German air force is not in any sense directed against Britain” he said. ‘‘lt is Germany’s idea of the best means of maintaining her security. She has no ill-feeling toward France with whom she would welcome a better understanding but certainly fears the Russian political system and its policy of world revolution.”

, Growing Feverishness LONDON, Feb. 21. The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent regards the heated debate in the French Chamber as indicating ✓the growing feverish temperature owing to M. Sarraut’s alliance with the Communists, and fears of increased Communist propaganda if the FrancoSoviet pact is ratified. Newspapers print instructions which the Communist International is alleged to have sent to French Communists ordering agitation in the army, transport, and mail services, and preparations for repression of Fascists, of whom secret lists should be drawn up. What Italy Thinks Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. ROME, Feb. 22. Italy does not consider the FraneoRussian pact conflicts with Locarno but if Locarno becomes inoperative she might revise her view.