Symbolic Amends

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 72, 26 March 1936, Page 7

Symbolic Amends

FRENCH INSISTENCE FEAR OF GERMAN STRENGTH LONDON, March 24. The French Ambassador, M. Corbin, cabled to tho Foreign Office, after which it was officially stated that M. Corbiu did not say Franco would not discuss the German counter-proposals. Tho Paris correspondent of the Times says that although the uncertainties of tho French elections will necessarily affect M. Flaudiu’s plans, his departure to his constituency, from which he is not expected to return beforo the week-end, is also a gesture coucerning the White Paper, which the French still maintain must be taken in its entirety. The British view that it can bo modified to suit German oxi geneics has caused bitter disappointment and some indignation. It is pointed out that France’s.dropping of insistence on purtial withdrawal oi the German troops from the Rhineland constituted a substantial concession, and that if Franco accepted the British sugggestion for an international force it was on the understanding that Britain would stand by her own proposals. Although it is believed that the British proposals .arc less acceptable to Germany than a symbolic withdrawal, there are strong hints that if Germany docs not mako at least symbolic amends Franco will refuse to continue the present conversations. Otherwise, there would bo an end to the concessions to bo extracted from France, because Germany feels sufficiently strong- to imposo her will on Europe. Growing Impatience The Times’ Paris correspondent, further points out that if Herr Hitler feels able to tako timo France be lieves that tho justico of the case entitles her to equally prolonged consideration of tho German sugggestions, especially as tho British undertaking regarding staff discussions fully protects France against German delays. It is notable tliat behind the official reserve there is a growing impatience with the policy of apparently offering unlimited advantages for German truculence. Many quarters feel that something must be done to break down German monopoly of the word “No.” Commons Discussion Set for To-nigbt VIEWS IN THE LOBBIES (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 24. Although feeling in the House of Commons favours an early debate on the international situation, all parties show a desire to avoid premature discussion. It is anticipated that the debate, which was originally fixed for last night, will now take place on Thursday, but it is understood that if circumstances render it impossible for tho Foreign Secretary to attend a further postponement until next week might be agreed to. Newspapers reflecting lobby opinion state that the suggestion of introducing an international force in German territory only is criticised among supporters of the Government, while Opposition speakers in the debate will probably fasten attention on the proposals for general staff conversations with France, Belgium, and Italy. Lord Halifax, speaking at Bristol last night, after promising careful aud anxious consideration for any serious German counter-proposal, said that what the Government wanted was to build a partnership in European society in which Germany could freely join. Church Leaders Support British Policy IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING FORWARD (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 24. An assurance of general support of the Government's policy with regard to tho European situation is conveyed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Prime Minister ill a letter written on behalf of a number of leaders cf Christian churches who recently mot at Lambeth Palace. This conference laid especial emphasis on the necessity for statesmen to look forward and not backward, and to use to tho full tin present opportunity of beginning ti reconstruct the peace system of Europe on a basis of international equality ami justice. England Accused of GrabbingColonies BEItLIN, March 24. Dr. Goebbels, speaking at Frankfurt, declared that England grabbed colonies while Germany was iu the throes of tho Thirty Years’ War. If a man like Hitler had arisen in Germany in 161 S, Germans would have been masters of the world and owned the great colonies at present held by Britain.