NO FLAT REJECTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 March 1936, Page 7

NO FLAT REJECTION

GERMAN GOVERNMENT’S REPLY FEELING IN BERLIN (British Official Wireless) (Received 25tli March, 11.25 a.m.) RUGBY, 24th March. It is now confidently stated in Berlin that the reply of the German Government to the proposals of Britain, France, Italy and Belgium: will not constitute a flat rejection of those proposals. Although feeling in the House of Commons favours an early debate on the international situation, all parties show a desire to avoid premature discussion. Newspapers reflecting lobby opinion state that tlie suggestion of introducing an international force in German territory only is criticised among supporters "of the Government, while Opposion speakers in the debate will probably fasten attention on the proposals for General Staff conversations with France, Belgium and Italy.

INTERIM STATEMENT REFUSAL TO WITHDRAW TROOPS AND NEGOTIATE EXCEPT ON TERMS OF EQUALITY FURTHER ELUCIDATION AFTER ELECTIONS (Received 25th March, 1.10 p.m.) BERLIN, 24th March. Germany’s reply, which Herr von Ribbentrop handed Mr Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, is an in= tcrim statement refusing to withdraw troops from the Rhineland and negotiate except cn terms of equality, but declining further elucidation pending the German elections. The reply adds that thereafter Germany will define her attitude iii' detail and make positive proposals to Britain. It emphasises that Germany will adhere to the peace proposals for which tho restoration of her sovereignty was til6 proper basis. It declares that the White Taper was.based bn new discrimination against a great nation and Germany’s equality and that if these were accepted another humiliation, would be thrust upon the Germans. It further adds that'following the restoration of the Reich and complete sovereignty, the German Government and people earnestly desire.to make a- great contribution to European peace, hut all demands would have been useless in securing improvement in European social conditions if the peoples were not given a feeling of unconditional and lasting security. The German Government attaches more weight to such a peace as one of tlie safest foundations for progressive welfare than any help obtainable from an economic conference.

GROWING IMPATIENCE

GERMAN MONOPOLY OF WORD “NO” MUST BE BROKEN DOWN (Received 25th March, 1.25 p.m.) ; LONDON, 24tli March. “The Times” Paris correspondent states it is further pointed out that if Herr Hitler feels lie is able to take his time France believes tlie justice of her case entitles her to equally prolonged consideration of the German suggestions, especially as the British undertaking in regard to General Staff discussions fully protects France against German delays. It is notable that behind the offiical reserve there is growing impatience with the policy apparently offering unlimtied advantages to German truculence. Many quarters feel _that something must he done to break down the German monopoly of the word “No.”

GENERAL SUPPORT

ASSURANCE FROM CHRISTIAN CHURCHES . STATESMEN URGED TO LOOK / FORWARD, NOT BACKWARD (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, 25th March. An assurance of general support of the,. Government’s policy with regard to the European situation is conveyed by tho Archbishop of Canterbury to the Prime Minister in a letter written., on behalf of a number, of leaders of Christian churches who recently met at Lambeth Palace. The conference laid especial emphasis on the necessity for statesmen to look forward, not backward, and use to the full tlie present opportunity for beginning to reconstruct the peace system of Europe on a basis of international equality and justice.

CALM ATMOSPHERE IN THE COMMONS

SUGGESTION OF CRISIS , DISCOUNTED LONDON, 23rd, March. The “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent discounts suggestions of a British political crisis arising from the Locarno Powers’ proposals, and emphasises that the atmosphere ill the House of Commons is calm. Members returning after the weekend discussed the White Paper without excitement, although the international police proposal and arrangements for staff discussions were quietly criticised. There is no disposition anywhere to form hasty opinions or to attempt to exert pressure on the Government in the extremely delicate situation. Ministerial circles do not expect that the position will he sufficiently clarified to enable the postponed debate to he held on 20tli March and it is anticipated that it will he deferred to next week.

LEAGUE COUNCIL SESSION

ADJOURNED INDEFINITELY (Received 25th March, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, 24th March. The League Council’s session lias not been wound up but adjourned, leaving in Mr Stanley Bruce’s hands the date of Ihe next meeting. Tlie members of tho Council have already been in London much longer Ilian was expected owing to German delays. Mr Bruce sounded the delegations before to-day’s meeting, obtaining general agreement that it was pointless standing by in London pending the Locarno Powers having further measures to recommend.

MILD STORM PRAYER FOR CABINET GUIDANCE OMITTED AT LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL SERVICE (Received 25tli March, 10 a.m.) LONDON, 24th March. A mild storm has arisen through the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral omitting on Sunday night tlie usual prayer for Cabinet guidance on tlie ground that the proposal to send (British troops to the Rhineland was monstrous and unjustifiable. Bishop David explains lie was not consulted, lie agrees with the main idea of the protest, but states that it was not happily expressed. WAR MINISTER ANNOYED Mr A. Duff-Cooper, Secretary of State for War, in a speech at Birmingham, said: “Who are these ignorant clergymen presuming to advise on foreign affairs?” Though a devout Anglican he would hesitate to give an opinion on a religious subject. The attitude of clerics who barge into the political arena made him sympathise with Henry 11. who, in a moment of haste, expressed an opinion which led to an unexpected vacancy at Canterbury.

HOW ENGLAND OBTAINED COLONIES

“GRABBED” DURING THIRTY YEARS’ WAR (Received 25th March, 9.25 a.m.) BERLIN, 24th March. Dr. Ooebbels. Minister of Propaganda, speaking at Frankfurt, declared that England grabbed colonies while Germany was in the throes of the Thirty Years War. If a man like Hitler had arisen in Germany in 1618 the Germans would have been masters of the world and owned the great colonies at present held by Britain.

CANADA KEPT INFORMED

NEGOTIATIONS WITH GERMANY OTTAWA, 23rd March. Canada has been informed of all the negotiations for peace with Germany. The Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King) told the House of Commons that lie did not believe it would help matters to hold a. general debate on Canada's policy. Parliament should do nothing that, would in ject another factor into the delicate negotiations under way in Europe. The primary object should he to keep the country united. Addressing the League for Peace at Toronto, Mr Woodsworth,* the Commonwealth Party leader, declared that if a vote were taken the majority of the members of the Canadian House of Commons would vote against Canada being included in European negotiations, as Canada had no hand in British foreign policy.

ELECTIONS IN GERMANY

UNDERGROUND ANTI-NAZI CAMPAIGN BERLIN, 23rd March. _ While the Nazi leaders are frantically electioneering, Communists and Socialists, at immense risk, are conducting an underground campaign as in the 1933 election, when they polled over 12,000,000 votes. Anti-Nazi leafr lets are again being, scattered in buses and tube trains, and many appeals begin as business advertisements.. The secret police are keenly searching to trace the source. SPECTACULAR WINDING UP EVERY BUILDING TO HOIST -FLAG (Received 25th March, 10.0 a.m.) BERLIN.'24th March. _ Herr Hitler’s election campaign is winding up in spectacular fashion on the '2Bth' in.st;. with a. meeting at Cologne, after which the singing of a thanksgiving hymn ending, “Lord Make Us Free,” will be broadcast throughout the country. Then every church, bell will peal for fifteen minutes. An order lias been issued that every building in Germany .must hoist a flag on the 27tli inst. in obedience to a wireless signal. “WORTHY PEACE” BUT NO SLAVERY FOR GERMANY HERR HITLER’S SPEECH (Received 25th March, 12.5 p.m.) BERLIN. 24th March. Herr Hitler drove six miles through cheering crowds and spoke in the Deutschland Hall whence his speech was broadcast to half a million people. Dr. Goebbels (Minister for Propaganda). opening the meeting, declared that Herr Hitler had accomplished a miracle by giving the workers food and the nation freedom. Herr Hitler reviewed the rise of Germany under his guidance and reiterated her desire to live in peace. He added, “Iron man that L am, I will not submit to special treatment. I have the same honour and integrity as any mail. 1 It is possible for Germany ; (o live in a secure, equal and worthy peace, hut not for her to be kept in slavery.”