BRITISH AND IF GERMANY IS ATTACKED

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1936, Page 7

BRITISH AND IF GERMANY IS ATTACKED

SECURITY FOR BELGIUM

MR EDEN MAKES THINGS CLEAR

[British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, November 29. ir pHE “Morning Post” says that Mr Aaihony Eden, in his speech at the International Chamber of Commerce luncheon, made a statement about Belgium, which re-

moves all possible excuse for anyone repeating the miscalculation of Germany in 1914.

“Mr Eden has done well to reaffirm this vital British interest, because it is a permanent factor in our relations with the Continent of Europe,” says the paper.

Should It Go Further?

In an allusion to Mr Eden’s remarks on the Western Pact, under which, in his words, British arms would be used in defence of Germany were she a victim of unprovoked aggression, the “Morning Post” makes the following comment:

“In view of all that has happened since Germany’s repudiation of the Locarno Treaty, most people must surely ask themselves whether a pact of this character can have any foundation in reality, and whether any useful- purpose is served by pursuing it further.”

The “Daily Telegraph” referring to Mr Eden’s -speech, says: “We have no doubt this perfectly frank and perfectly sincere declaration of British policy will be accepted throughout Western. Europe as a solid contribution to peace.” ,

A 1914 If. Both the “Daily Telegraph” and the “Morning Post” call attention to Mr Eden’s statement as what the latter calls a sub-definition of his Leamington declaration, and as committing Britain absolutely and apart from any existing treaty obligations.

The “Daily Telegraph” refers to the events of 1914, and the repeated argument in post-war years whether, if Sir Edward Grey had made a similarly unanimous statement, the Great War might have been avoided.

“But at any rate,” says the paper, “Britain did not speak out and the war chiefs in Berlin made their fatal choice, under illusions as to Britain’s fidelity to her pledges.”