NAZI ASPIRATIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 29 April 1937, Page 9

NAZI ASPIRATIONS

DEVELOPMENTS ABROAD FOREIGN POLICY CHECKED LONDON, 12th April. German utterances reflect the difficult outlook which now' confronts Herr Hitler, states the Berlin correspondent of - 'The Times.” His advisers arc analysing behind the scenes international developments, which include Britain’s vigorous rearmament, the delays in the Spanish campaign, and the closer cooperation between Britain, France and America.

These facts have almost brought the German foreign policy to a standstill and, narrowing the field of possible expansionist adventure, have strengthened those advisers seeking to curb the recklessness which a few months ago insisted on pressing on with rearmament and self-sufficiency at all costs, refusing to listen to suggestions for a general settlement. The Italian reverses in Spain, as analysed by military experts, have assisted those pronouncing as fantastic suggestions that Germany could develop "another Spain” in Czechoslovakia, enabling expansion in East Central Europe ’ 'hile Italy was engaged with Spain, which would have resulted in a conflict with France. The Italian defeats have also increased opposition to a military alliance between Italy and Germany. Thus a logical development is believed to be the temporary abandonment of adventurous dreams, a slackening of rearmament, and a concentration on domestic policy, with a view to reducing the problems of next autumn and winter.

Herr Hitler has been thinking all this out, and it is possible, says the correspondent, that he will bow to the logic of the moderates, but it is doubtful whether he and his more vigorous advisers will agree to more than a temporary reduction of activity in foreign affairs. Meanwhile they will watch sharply for an opportunity for more ambitious plans.