War or Peace?

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 7

War or Peace?

BRITAIN MUST DECIDE PRO-GERMAN PUBLIC LONDON, Mar. 15. The Sun-Herald news agency says (hat although every hour ol the week since Herr Hitler remilitarised the Rhineland Governments throughout Europe has displayed diplomatic activity not equalled since the Great War, there has not been a single development either improving or worsening the situation. ( The meetings in London at least have served to emphasise the importance of Britain’s position as a mediator, proving more conclusively than ever that she, more than anyone else, must decide whether the crisis is to end in war or peace. Britain’s position Is becoming more difficult daily. Public opinion passionately demands peaco at any price. The populace remains pro-German, despite resentment at Herr Hitler’s violation of treaties, mainly because of the conviction that if Herr Hitler’s offers aro ignored Germany will bo simultaneously isolated and war will be inescapable. Cabinet realises that the public aro strongly against war, but Cabinet is not unanimous. The majority advocate full exploration of the possibilities of conciliating Herr Hitler, and the others insist on whole-hearted co-operation with France and Belgium. However, Cabinet’s dilemma is relieved by a swing of House of Commons opinion towards fulfilment of obligations, whatever Herr Hitler may do. Death of the League? The Foreign Office viewpoint which is inevitably carrying considerable weight, is that the public is unable to grasp the realities, and probably is not so pro-German as is generally imagined. The Foreign Office feels that if Herr Hitler ’s coup de force is allowed to succeed war will occur within a few months. The Foreign Office is thus endeavouring to bring Cabinet to this viewpoint, saying that Britain must either support France and Belgium or break her pledges, meaning the immediate death of the League and collective security, with a reintroduction of menacing alliances and war. Germany’s Representative Received Monday, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, Mar. IC. A Berlin message states that ilerr

Friedrich Gaus, Germany’s diplomatic and legal authority, has. left for London. Apparently if Germany is represented at the Council it will be by Herr vou Hoesch, German Ambassador in London.

Hitler Prefers Schacht Received Monday, 10.20 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 16. The Daily Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent says the differences between Dr. Schacht and Herr Kcppler, Hitler’s personal economic head, were brought to a head by the former’s letter severing his relations with Keppler. it is generally felt if it comes to a choice, Hitler will retain Dr. Schacht, who has the support of the army which is now stronger sinco the Rhineland occupation. The correspondent adds: “The feeling is growing that Germany has not scored a walk-over by her Rhineland policy, not only in official quarters but among the general public, chiefly through the fear that the policy itself is driving Britain into Franco-Bclgian arms, thereby encompassing her own encirclement. The feeling is intensified since Poland came down emphatically on the side of collective security.

Tension Growing- in Strasbourg NO NEW EVENTS ANTICIPATED THIS WEEK. LONDON, March 15. The Time3’ Strasbourg correspondent says that the tension is growing though it is stated in official circles that there is no reason for alarm. No new events are anticipated before next week. Nevertheless, the British Consulate is warned to be prepared for any eventuality. Far From Withdrawing Troops RHINELAND FORCES INCREASING-. METZ, March 15. It is reported that Germany is far from withdrawing her forces from the Rhineland, but is increasing them. From Saarbruck, it is reported that further detachments of heavy artillery have arrived. It is stated from Loerrach that the Garrison was reinforced by a regiment of artillery on Sunday-..

Big Parade Abandoned REGARDED AS CONCESSION TO TRENCH OPINION. FRANKFORT-ON-MAIN, March 15. The big parado of Rhineland troops which was intended to be held on March 16th has been abandoned. Tho troops will bo merely inspected at the barracks. It seems possible that tho cancelling of the parade may bo regarded as a symbolical concession of French opinion. Tho parade had been planned on a grand scale and several thousand troops from other garrisons beside Frankfort would havo participated. Need Be No Difficulty TIMES SEES DAYLIGHT Received Mouday, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 10. Commenting on Hitler’s reply the Times, in a leader, says: There need be no difficulty over the first condition. The second is a rational, interpretation of the League’s functions if it means Germany must be permitted to attend not merely as an offender for sentence but also as a partner in deliberations to preclude future treaty-breaking by bringing all European nations within tho League as equals. Tho League is not a court of law but a political body existing to maintain peace by agreement. The League Powers must duly declare there has been a flagrant breach of Locarno, but their larger responsibility is to restore and strengthen what is broken. Hitler cannot mean to require the League to accept his incursion into the Rhineland as a normal occurrence, but it would not be unreasonable if the Council after condemning the offence should forthwith consider the proposals in extenuation and as a guarantee against a recurrence.