GERMANY’S REPLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 February 1935, Page 5

GERMANY’S REPLY

ANGLO-FRENCH DECLARATION QUESTIONS OF PRINCIPLE (British Official Wireless! RUGBY, 15th February. The text of the German reply to the Anglo-French Declaration of 13th February is at present being carefully studied in London. It was handed separately to the British and French Ambassadors in Berlin yesterday evening, and is being communicated to the Italian and Belgian Governmen’ts to-day. The document, which is about 600 words in length, was issued to-night for publication in Berlin. Briefly summarised the reply welcomes the spirit of friendly confidence animating the discussion between the individual Governments which found expression in the Anglo-French communication, and says that the German Government will make an exhaustive examination of the entire complex which had been laid before them of the European questions raised in the first part of the London communique. The proposed air convention is also welcomed, and the German Government express readiness to seek as soon as possible in a free agreement with the Governments concerned ways and means whereby such a convention as guarantees of the greatest possible security to all signatories can become a reality. The German Government consider ; t desirable first to clarify in separate conversations with the Governments concerned a number of preliminary questions of principle, and would be glad if the British Government,' as that partner in the London conversations which is at the same time a guarantor of Locarno, were to begin when ready to enter into a direct exchange of views on the subject with the German Government. Concurrence is expressed with the opinion that an air convention would be an important step towards the solidarity of European States, calculated to lead to a solution of other European problems satisfactory to all States.

THE NEXT STAGE • In regard to the next stage it will be. recalled that the concluding paragraph of the Anglo-French communique of 3rd February said: “The Governments of France and of the United Kingdom declare themselves ready to resume their consultations without delay after having received replies of the other interested Powers.” The Lord Privy Seal, Mr Anthony Eden, in a speech at Rugby, said that he would restrict his remarks on the German reply to general observations. The Anglo-French London conversations were being followed up. Coming as they did in succession to the FrancoItalian conversations at Rome and the important meeting of the Council of the League last December, they might well matk a new and more encouraging phase in European reconstruction. The objective of that phase must be the restoration of confidence m _ Europe. It was precisely for the creation of such confidence that the League of Nations and the collective peace systems had surely come to stay. It was the only substitute for the balance of power which, however nicely adjusted, could never he a final guarantor of peace. As experience and influence accumulated, the League would steadily be better able to shoulder the responsibilities placed upon it, until at length it gained that universal membership with the aid of which a peaceful settlement of all disputes might become not merely an ideal, but a fact. VAGUE AND IMPRECISE

(Received 18th February, noon) RUGBY, 16th February. Although the conciliatory tone of the German reply to the 3rd February communique is fully recognised, the press generally are critical of its substance, which in certain respects is regarded as vague- and imprecise. It is emphasised in most newspapers that the projected air convention to which the German Government devotes most attention belongs essentially to the regional security system of Western Europe, while for general settlement regional systems were considered in the Anglo-French conversations to be no less essential elsewhere in Europe. In reference ,o the suggestion that the British Government should enter into a direct exchange of views with the German Government on the subject of an air .convention, newspapers point out that in any case there must first be a consultation with the French Government which is provided for in the Communique. These consultations will probably be conducted through ordinary • diplomatic channels. N FRENCH PRESS OPINION UNFAVOURABLE COMMENT OFFICIAL QUARTERS LESS PESSIMISTIC (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 18th February, 6.45 a.m.) . PARIS, 16th February. Newspapers criticise the German reply. “Pertinax,” regards it as cute, equivocate, and full of mental restrictions, and expresses the opinion that Germany will either mutilate the Anglo-French project or drag.out negotiations while it completes preparations. “Le Petit Parisian” condemns its chilliness, ill according with the friendliness of the invitation. If Germany is not in a position to fully subscribe to details she could at least have manifested general approval. Another paper expresses the opinion that Germany has been over clever. On the contrary, however, official quarters are less pessimistic and do not object to an Anglo-German tete-a-tete.

RUSSIAN COMMENT “SUFFERING FROM MEGALOMANIA” (Received 18tli February, 9.40 a.m.) MOSCOW, 17th February. The political circles state that the German reply will intensify Franco-Rus-sian relations and may lead to the conclusion of an Eastern Pact without German participation. The “Pravda” sees the likelihood of the reply starting a hidden AngloFrench struggle, and adds that Germany is suffering from megalomania and seeks to create the impression that the world’s fate depends on her decision. She is greatly mistaken herein as European people will find, means for otherwise guaranteeing their safety.