Germany and Colonies Question

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 6

Germany and Colonies Question

Hitler Too Preoccupied in Europe TALK BETWEEN HEADS GETS NOWHERE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, March 10. Demonstrators shouting, “Get out, von Ribbentrop” who assemble! in Downing Street were ignored by the German Foreign Minister as he entered the Foreign Office. Herr von Ribbentrop’s conversation with the Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax, lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. T.arge crowds awaited his departure and the police ha! to be reinforced. GERMANY ADAMANT LONDON, March 10. ••It Is believed from the tone of Jerr von Klbbentrop’s, the German roreirn Minister's, conversation with the British Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, that any colonial deal between the British Empire and Germany is at present out of the question," states the Australian Associated Press. “The Germans are adamant, demanding Britain's unconditional recognition of the principle of their claim, “The impression is that Herr Hitler la not pressing for colonies immediately but is adhering to his recent declarations and will raise the claim with mcreasing intensity from year to year. He realises that, because of Germany’s lack of a formidable navy, any forcible action is at present impracticable. “Herr Hitler is at present chiefly concerned with Europe, where, he believes, •vents will occur as he wants them He believes that he will soon triumph over Austria and Czechoslovakia and that, consequently, colonies can wait until they are the only outstanding issue in his programme of faith. This policy renders negotiation for an Anglo-German settlement virtually impossible for Britain, because, while Britain is prepared to negotiate on the basis of give-and-take, Herr Hitler wants to take all and give nothing. •To-day’s talk got practically nowhere. Herr von Ribbentrop covered the old ground—namely, he insisted ihat the British Government should control its Press and give assurances that she was not contemplating weakening the Rome-Berlin Axis. He even sought again Britain’s interest in the Anti-Comintern Pact.’* WHAT DO DOMINIONS THINK? ATTITUDE TO TALKS WITH ITALY LONDON. March 10. In the House of Commons, Mr A. V Alexander (Labour' asked whether in view of the importance ol the issue, involved, the Prime Minister. M Neville Chamberlain, would supply t! House with copies of telegrams' e:: changed with the Dominions in relation to the Engiish-Italian and En£ lish-German talks. Mr Chamberlain said that the frar. rnd confidential exchange of informtion would be seriously hampered ii the basis of the talks were published "I feel unable to comply with the suggestion,” he said. Mr Alexander: I appreciate the nature of the reply. Can you tell the House if the Dominions, without exception, support the change of policy? Mr Chamberlain: That's an entirely different question. Mr Chamberlain later announced that any Anglo-Italian agreement would be communicated to the House.