FRANCE’S ATTITUDE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 11 March 1936, Page 7

FRANCE’S ATTITUDE

RHINELAND OCCUPATION DEFINED BY M. SARRAUT WILLING TO ARBITRATE 'United Press Association— By Electric Telegrapu—Copyright* (Received 11th March, 11.5 a.m.) PARIS, 10th March. A crowded Chamber of Deputies heard M. Sarraut, the Prime Minister, define France’s attitude to Germany. He declared that France was willing to leave the Rhineland issue to arbitration, but never accepted the substitution of the law of force or a fait accompli for international law. France had been always ready to listen to any proposal for the political or economic amelioration of Europe, and had neglected no opportunity to better relations with Germany.

“I am convinced,” declared M. Sarraut, “that il all the circumstances could he freely discussed a settlement could be achieved on the lines of international law without recourse of force.”

M. Sarraut recalled the Saar, where problems of supreme difficulty were solved without a single disorderly incident.

“We believe,” he said, “that the occupation of the demilitarised zone is a blow against our security and future European peace. The League and collective security are endangered. If Germany’s action is allowed to stand any country will be able to tear up a treaty at will. We are ready to begin discussions with Germany once respect for international law is again assured, but we cannot maintain the least faith in treaties if the strongest will suffices to destroy them. If this sort of thing is accepted it will mean a return to military alliances, super armaments and war begun by the strongest at the most favourable moment. We are still ready to place our moral and material forces at the disposal of the League to prevent such a catastrophe, which would mean the end of European civilisation, and ask the assistance of those Powers who formally signed the Rhinish Pact and the League Covenant. We solemnly declare we will never attempt anything against the German people’s honour, and are willing to seek peace. France would like to know how the occupation of the Rhineland will help to solve these problems. Would Germany have confidence in France if we demanded a new treaty just because we had torn up an old one? France cannot negotiate under a threat of violence and renunciation freely given of signatures. For that reason we are appealing to the League and consulting with the Locarno signatories. France remains ready to negotiate with Germany as soon as the faith in treaties is restored.”

HITLER’S IMPULSIVE ACT

ILLUMINATING EXPLANATION FEAR OF GERMAN ISOLATION ATTEMPT TO APPEASE BRITISH OPINION (Received 11th March, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, 10th March. “The Times” Berlin correspondent gives an illuminating explanation of what was behind Hen* Hitler’s impulsive act. Dr. Schaclit, Minister for Economy, constantly pointed out to Hitler that there were limits to creating recovery by financing rearmament and by continuous expansion of Government credit. Dr. Schacht kept reminding Hitler that Germany’s financial and economic salvation lay in resumed contact with Western Powers, but the Nazi Party insisted that Germany should not capitulate. Dr. Schacht, who faced the difficulty of funding the floating debt, was supported in that connection by international bankers. It is significant that Dr. Schacht and Baron von Neurath, Foreign Secretary, were not present at the vital meeting at the Chancellery on the 2nd inst., at which presumably the Rhineland decision was taken. It is reported that Dr. Schacht on the 3rd inst. protested and offered his resignation. Last week’s events abroad, which precipitated Hitler’s decision, included the threat of sanctions against Italy, who might leave the League and back out of the Locarno Pact. Germany also feared the possibility that M. Flandin, in return for France’s support of oil sanctions, might demand additional guarantees from Britain for security against German aggression in the Rhineland. Hitler feared that Britain might automatically be committeed to sanctions against Germany, whoso encirclement would be complete and his foreign policy ruined. He therefore took Saturday’s decisive step, hoping to appease British opinion by an offer to rejoin the League.

COOL HEADS IN ENGLAND

SPLENDID EFFECT ABROAD AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW (Received —th March, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, 10th March. The “Sun=Herald” says that, again speaking with one voice, the entire Brit= ish press approves of the course events are taking. It is emphasised that neb ther the Government nor the public lost their heads; on the contrary they re. inained perfectly calm, which had a splendid effect abroad, even in France, where earlier inclination was to act precipitately. It is generally believed here that if the situation is handled carefully it will in no way imperil peace, and that Britain as the peacemaker may still be able to mediate successfully be= tween France and Germany.

GERMAN PRESS JUBILANT

CONCILIATORY SPEECHES IN THE COMMONS WARNING TO FRANCE (Received 11th March, 9.25 a.m.) BERLIN, 10th March. The German press continues jubilant in view of what is described as the conciliatory nature of the speeches in the Hou.se of Commons, the “Volkischer Beobachter” is going so far as to warn France that she is becoming diplomatically isolated. The general opinion in Berlin is, “our troops are in the Rhineland and nobodv will do anything about it.’’

FORCES TO BE INCREASED

BILLETING OFFICES ESTABLISHED

(Received 11 th March, 9.25 a.m.) COLOGNE, 10th March

The Government is planning to increase the Rhineland forces. Specical billeting offices have been established and citizens are requested to state how many soldiers they are prepared to accommodate.