GERMAN REPLY FORECAST

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1936, Page 5

GERMAN REPLY FORECAST

ANSWERS TO BRITISH QUESTIONS

[‘The Times” Cable .] (Received 10 a.m.) ' . LONDON, June 12. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says the German reply to the British questionnaire is expected to reach London next week. Probably it will suggest an oral discussion as to the best method of negotiation. It is not likely to commit Germany to the acceptance of the present territorial arrangements in Europe. Genuine an'd lasting peace, it is held by Germany, cannot be based on teßritorial arrangements forced on her by the Versailles . Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest, plebiscites among Germans of neighbouring lands. For the same reason, the question of whether Germany has yet reached equality of rights is also likely to be answered in the negative. The Versailles Treaty, it is argued, was nominally based on self-determin-ation, but that principle has never been applied to the German people. Anything Herr Hitler may contrive to do in regard to Austria might, therefore, be represented as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles peace was concluded. The reply is expected freely to refer to the Franco-Soviet Treaty, which, Germany holds, has revolutionised the European situation, making a general limitation of armaments impossible at present, although it is argued that this is no reason why a start should not be made with the prohibition of the largest land tanks and the conclusion of a western air pact. The German Government is uncompromising and prefers to deal with each country or group of countries, separately. It has not the slightest desire to participate in a general congress of powers. In such a gathering, Germany fears she might find herself arguing her case single-handed against countries who stand to lose by a sue-, cessful prosecution. The reply also probably will indicate that Germany is in no hurry to rejoin the League.