Germany's Counter Proposals

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 75, 30 March 1936, Page 7

Germany's Counter Proposals

DIPLOMATIC HAIRSFLITING

LONDON, March 27. It is understood that Mr Anthony Eden replied to Herr von Ribbcntrop that staff conversations were likely to open in ten days time. It is believed that Herr von Ribbentrop claimed that if Britain regarded herself bound to tlio Locarno Treaty then she was obliged to defend the inviolability of tho German frontier in tho event of a French attack. Mr Eden pointed out that as Germany denounced tho Locarno Treaty, Britain’s obligations applied only to France and Belgium. Herr von Ribbentrop is reported to have agreed that assuming a discussion is possible, it should not bo begun until after the French elections. Gorman counter proposals arc authoritatively reported to be a mere elaboration of Herr Hitler’s offer of March 7th. Will Not Renounce Right to Fortify SUGGESTION MEETS COOL . GERMAN RECEPTION. LONDON, March 27. The ‘‘Times’ ” Berlin correspondent says that the suggestion that France might be prepared to limit demands on Germany to the nonfortification of the Rhineland, meets with a cool reception in Germany. It is stated that she will never renounce tho right to fortify the recovered Rhineland and any attempt to prevent her doing so would be regarded as infringing on her sovereignty and equal rights. It is pointed out that the political aspect of tho Rhineland fortifications is even more important than the strategic aspect with which it is closely linked. An effective line of fortresses along the German side of the frontier would, it is claimed, go far to invalidate the French system of alliances, which are a constant source of concern to Germany. Germany Disappointed at Eden’s Speech BERLIN, Alareli 27. Official circles express disappointment wi :. Air Eden’s speech. The spokesman declared that Germany had already mado a contribution to peace. Nazi headquarters do not take the speech seriously, saying that it Is meant for home consumption. Ribbentrop Confers With Mr Eden FRANCO-BRITISH STAFF TALKS. LONDON, March 27. Herr von Ribbentrop conferred with Mr A. Edon aud it is understood sought elucidation of certain parts of the latter’s speech, especially in reference to Franco-British staff talks. Herr von Ribbentrop goes to Cologne this afternoon, whence he goes to Essen to hear Hitler speak at the Hrupu works. German Plane Over Belgian Fortifications , FRENCH ESTABLISH FAST AIR PATROL. Received Sunday, 9.50 p.m. AMSTERDAM, Alar. 2S. A German aeroplane flew over Ven 100 and is reported to have photographed the barracks. PARIS, Mar. 28. The Air Aliuistry announces that a special corps of last police aeroplanes has been established to patrol the frontier, especially along the Maginot defence line over which two German aeroplanes were allegedly flown recently. They will be fitted with special cameras enabling them lo photograph “suspect" ’planes, thus providing concrete evidence in support of diplomatic protests. Italy’s Price for European Peace Talks SANCTIONS MUST EE LIFTED. Received Sunday, 3.10 p.m. .LONDUN, Alarch 29. According to the Daily Alail's diplomatic correspondent Italy has already intimated her refusal to join any European peace talks unless sanctions are raised. The French Government is sympathetic towards Italy on this point, but thus far Air. Eden declines to discuss tho calling off of sanctions until the Italo-Abyssinian peace terms are arranged. Treaty Scrapping AMERICA POINTS THE MORAL. Received Sunday, 9.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, Alarch 27. For the Jirst time since Hitler remilitarised the Rhine the United States Senate engaged in a general discussion of the European situation to : day aud several Senators took occasion to compare the morality of the Allies’ repudiation of tho war debts with Hitler's scrapping of the Locarno Treaty. The Naval Treaty recently signed in London was also criticised for its limited scope, Senator Robinson terming it “disappointing," adding, however: “There is a measure of gratification in the fact that Britain, France and the United States were able to reach even very limited accord." Senator Borah, as is customary, took

a si l ong stand against the Allied debtors. “There is nut a contract or treaty involved in the chaotic conditions which now embroil Europe which entails any greater obligation than the obligation to pay these war debts.’’ Mentioning Hitler’s violation of the Versailles Treaty and Mussolini’s violation of the League Covenant, he said: ‘‘There is no difference in law and in morals between the act of Germany and the act of Italy aud the acts of those nations which repudiated the debts they contracted to pay.” Every German Must Vote EXTRAORDINARY ARRANGEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA. Received Sunday, 0.30 p.m. CAPE TOWN, March OS. Several German liners and tramp ships in the neighbourhood of South Africa have been ordered to interrupt their voyages, pick up German residents in various cities and transport them outside the three-mile limit to enable them to vote. " 111 MU IF•' .