WHAT ILL OUTCOME BE?

Northern Advocate, 9 March 1936, Page 6

WHAT ILL OUTCOME BE?

HITLER’S ACTION MAY BRING PEACE

f United, Press Association.-By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright, 3 (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, March 8. The “Sun Herald” News Service says the consequences of Herr Hitler’s action cannot be even dimly foreseen.

The situation today is that London is calm and cool; that Berlin is solidly behind Herr* Hitler; that'France is turning her next move for Geneva; that New York is determined to ' “keep out of Europe’s mess”; and that the other European capitals are anxiously awaiting a lead from London and Paris.

! All reports from Paris agree that France will demand international sanctions against Germany at the League Council. This would place Britain in an unenviable position, she having led the sanctions movement against Italy. Ardent Pacifists like Sir Philip Gibbs and Mr George Lansbury believe that Herr Hitler’s action will possibly bring peace. Sir Philip, writing in the “Sunday Chronicle,” says: “Herr Hitler gives g new idea to -humanity. His seven points are inspired by a most generous spirit of peace. If accepted, they will surely blow away the dark fears ‘haunting the world’s soul. Refusal would be a criminal act against humanity. v s . )

Situation Transformed. Mr Lloyd George said: “I hope we keep our heads.” Viscount Snowden said: “Herr Hitler’s statement has transformed the European situation. It is the acid test of sincerity of every European statesman. His previous peace overtures have been ignored, but the people will not permit this offer to be ignored or rejected. A conference of the nations should be called immediately.” The “Sunday Express” says: “According to the written policy of the Government, Britain is bound to <*take action if the League tells her to do so. The British publib may vote for the League, but will not march to war at its direction on such a trivial pretext.” The “Sunday Despatch” says: “Germany has brought to a clear single issue the tangldd sophistries of diplomats. Given wide handling by the natiop, Herr Hitler’s intention may be justified by results.

French Cabinet Meets. Mr Eden and M. Corjain, French Ambassador, conferred at the Foreign Office, otherwise all was quiet at Whitehall and the German Embassy but there was considerable activity at the French Embassy. The French Cabinet sat in Paris for a long time, and decided that Herr Hitler’s statement was unacceptable. A meeting of the Locarno Treaty signatories is to be called for Tuesday. M. Flandin will ask that the League Council be convoked. He has approved military measures on the French frontier, and has authorised the Ministry of War, of the Army and of the Air Force to prepare supplementary measures.

The' Chamber will meet on Tuesday, when the Government will make a statement.

The Vienna press is nervous. The “Tageblatt” says; “We miss something vital from Herr Hitler’s declaration, namely, an offer to respect Austria’s integrity.” The Reichspost” regards the offer to rejoin the League as aimed at placating Britain, where, the paper thinks the action will be considered most important on account of the ItaloAbyssinian dispute.