RECOGNISED IN NEWSPAPER COMMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 March 1936, Page 5

RECOGNISED IN NEWSPAPER COMMENT

APPEAL TO HERR HITLER GESTURE OF WITHDRAWAL PENDING NEGOTIATIONS (British Official Wireless) (Received 13th March, 1 1.40 a.m.) RUGBY, 12th March. The gravity of the crisis is fully recognised in newspaper comment. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “Nothing could give such meaning and solidity to Hitler’s expressed desire for a long term of peace in the west as to follow up the symbolic occupation of German territory by a symbolic evacuation before any demand is made. There would be in that withdrawal more than a magnificent gesture—it would be a practical assertion of the German desire for the inauguration of a regime of European friendship, giving confidence in her adherence to any undertaking she might then sign. We do not under-rate the courage that a reversal of policy would require on the part of the leader of the German people, but a dictatorship would be meaningless could it not on occasion rise to height of a great opportunity.” The “Daily Herald” appeals to Hitler to make a gesture of withdrawal pending negotiation, which would immeasurably strengthen his moral position at the Council and in the eyes of the world; and it appeals to the French Premier not to insist that this step be taken. Whoever makes the gesture which clears the way for negotiations will earn the gratitude of the world. Whoever refuses would, if folly and obstinacy were to triumph, bear the blame for whatever consequences might follow. The “News-Chronicle” strongly urges a gesture by Germany, but says this, or in its absence, any action taken by the League by way of condemnation should be regarded as only a preliminary to full and fair recognition of her claim to equality and its establishment by proper means, followed by immediate consideration of Hitler’s offer of appeasement on the widest terms of reference.