Germany's New Proposals

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 73, 27 March 1936, Page 7

Germany's New Proposals

SUBMISSION ON MARCH 31. PROFOUND CONSIDERATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 25. The interim reply of the German Government to the proposals of the othor four Powers signatory to the Treaty of Locarno, which was delivered late last night to the Foreign Secretary by Herr von Ribbentrop, states that though it is compelled to reject the proposals on all points which affect honour and equal rights, the German Government feels that it must comply with the British Government’s suggestions by presenting new proposals. These, will be presented on March 31, as the German Government is this week making its final preparations for the elections and states that it is not at present technically in a position to draw up such an extensive document requiring such profound considerations.

In tho course of this interim reply the German Government states that lasting agreements can only bo concluded in an atmosphere of sympathetic recognition of tho equal rights of all nations. The Locarno Powers’ proposals, it is asserted, are based on n new discrimination, intolerable for a great nation, to which Germany will not agree. In many quarters in London it is regarded as a hopeful sign that Germany wishes to continue the negotiations. Comments in Paris, on tho other hand, state that the terms of the reply justify the firmness of the French stand. Factor For Progress. The House of Commons debate on Foreign Affairs will take place to-mor-row, and several members who asked questions this afternoon were urged to await the statement which will then be made by the Foreign Secretary. Disappointment at the uphclpful character of the German memorandum in reply to the Four-Power proposals was apparent both in official and journalistic circles in London to-day. Whilo there is gratification that the path of negotiation Temains open, the common view appears to be. that hope of progress depends on a realisation in Berlin of the necessity of some constructive suggestions from the German side for restoration of confidence, which is essential before negotiations can begin. The Foreign Secretary had conversations this afternoon with the German envoy, Herr von Ribbentrop, and the Russian Foreign Minister, M. Litvinoff.

Practical Proposals Wanted POSITIVE GERMAN ACTION. KUGBY, Marcn 2o* There is no editorial comment on the German reply in The Times, the Daily Telegraph, or the Morning Post. The Daily Herald say 3 that the problem of the moment is to find an agreed basis for negotiating. As the German Government finds that which has been put forward fy the four Locarno Powers unacceptable, it is up to them to produce not grandiose schemes for the future but practical proposals for the present. “The interim reply gives no indication that Herr Hitler has as yet even grasped the nature of tho problem. If he docs genuinely desire negotiation ho must do better than this. If we may judge from the co-ordination of tho chorus of German newspapers there seems some danger of German misunderstanding of British opinion. Certainly the people of this country believe that Germany has had less than a square deal since tho war and that tho German demands for equality are just. But equally they believe that Herr Hitler’s Government has given just grouuds for the apprehensions it has created, and that the wide suspicion of the valuo of Herr Hitler’s promises is the natural outcome of his recent actions. If Herr Hitler wishes for a new deal he must act so as to restore confidence, not so as to increase suspicion.’’ The Daily Mail says that the terms of the German reply offer no reason why negotiations should not proceed in an effort to reconcile the various points of view. France Deceiving Herself. The News-Chronicle (Liberal) declares that if France is assuming that Germany’s refusal to accept the terms offered her without qualification, and her own refusal to consider modifying them, will assure her automatically ot a military alliance with Great Britain, which has always been her secret aspiration, she is deceiving herself again. The Yorkshire Post (Conservative) can detect no sign in the reply that either Herr Hitler or the well-dragoon-ed Germany understands that the German action has shattered confidence in Europe so that no matter what prodigious pacts or treaties Herr Hitler may propose they can procure no effect in promoting a sense of security. There is no hint of any appreciation of the fact that without some positive and present German action capable of restoring confidence, all talk of a more permanent European organisation is the merest folly. Referring to the proposal for undertaking staff conversations, the Yorkshire Post adds that this is not a new political commitment. “It is of the greatest importance, in our view, that such a practical indication should be given at such a time.” The Manchester Guardian says that thfj suspension of judgment until next week when Germany’s constructive contributions will be made is not only desirable but essential.

distinction should not talk about peace. Europe caunot be saved unless she gives up her old mentality. If France now wants to send an international military force into some zone, we can only say; ‘We have passed that stage.’ ’’ Italy’s Prce LIFTING OF SANCTIONS. LONDON, March 25. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says that Signor Mussolini to far has neither approved nor disapproved the London proposals, but political circles are comparing the lenient treatment of Germany with the drastic action against Italy in a puroly colonial affair. According to the Daily Herald’s diplomatic correspondent Signor Mussolini privately informed France that Italy’s price for participating in any Rhineland security arrangement is the lifting of sanctions against Italy.