THE RHINE ZONE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 31 January 1936, Page 5

THE RHINE ZONE

CONFLICTING REPORTS AS TO GERMAN INTENTIONS LONDON, 29th January. There are conflicting reports about Germany’s intentions regarding the demilitarised Rhineland zone. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says that the Government has been informed from several sources that Herr Hitler, under pressure by the German high military command, has made up his mind to denounce this year the Versailles Treatry articles which created the zone. He is even reported to have told an ambassador that he was sorry he had not taken the step last .March, when he freed the Reich from the Versailles Treaty military clauses. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent, on the other hand, says that Baron Von Neurath yesterday, personally assured Mr Eden that the French fears concerning the Rhineland were groundless and that Germany was not contemplating any hasty re-occupation of the zone

It, is realised that Germany may not agree to accept a demilitarised Rhineland for ever. The day may come, says the “Manchester Guardian,” when she will wish to re-occupy it or may even set about occupying it, but it is doubted in London whether this day is at hand. Germany, it is believed, will not act rashly, but will at first try to secure the substitution of a new western pact for the Locarno Pact, simultaneously demanding that the Rhineland shall cease to be a demilitarised zone. According to the “Daily Telegraph Baron von Neuratli is also reported to have sounded Mr Eden regarding British terms for a closer understanding with Germany