PLAN FOR SECURITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22027, 6 February 1935, Page 11

PLAN FOR SECURITY

OPINION IN EUROPE THE GERMAN ATTITUDE BASIS FOR NEGOTIATION SCEPTICISM IN MOSCOW By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Feb. 4 A message from Berlin states that the German Government's spokesman has informed the press that Germany accepts the London agreement as a basis for negotiation. Apparently Germany, while clarifying her own needs, will scrupulously avcid obstructing any proposals for European pacification. The press is cautious but friendly.^ Diplomatic correspondents state that the emphasis placed by the communique upon the avoidance of an armaments race and the elimination of the war danger find a lively echo in Germany. The desire for an armaments convention is the most valuable part of the London agreement. Germany feels jointly responsible for it, so that there may be a real understanding against armaments chaos.

Despatches from Paris state that French newspapers of all shades of political opinion acclaim the agreement, which is regarded as a great success for the French representatives.

Le Petit Parisien says that, never since the-perils were shared together on the battlefields have snch sympathy and desire for collaboration been shown.

Le Journal says Britain has given a courageous display of solidarity by going to the extent of a defensive military alliance in embrvo.

The Prime Minister, M. Flandin, in a broadcast address, expressed the Government's satisfaction at the agreement " as it overcomes the menace to European peace." A message from' Brussels says all the Belgian newspapers express satisfaction. Le Soir says the Belgian people will unanimously rejoice at three great allied Powers affirming their solidarity to prevent any State hurling Europe into chaos. Advices from Rome state that official circles there are very satisfied, especially with the expression of the opinion that a general settlement should be freely negotiated and that no conditions have been imposed on Germany before the discussions commence. Also, that Britain, France and Italy are joining in a consultative pact for the defence of Austria.

A Moscow despatch says the agreement has been sceptically received there on the grounds of its vagueness. It is contended also that it will lead to rearmament in Germany, thus provoking an armaments race.

LONDON PRESS VIEWS STEP TOWARD PEACE HOPE FOR DISARMAMENT British "Wireless RUGBY. Feb. 4 Commenting on the Franco-British agreement the Times says: The proposed Western European air convention is an amplification of Locarno, but its importance consists less in its precision |of definition than in psychological | values. As trouble is primarily psycho- ! logical, that enhanced sense of security on either side of the Rhine should h,ave a beneficent and tranquillising influence upon two countries which in effect, have nothing to quarrel about. The Daily Telegraph says: The newagreement should calm fears about a present security and at the same time open a door by which the British ideal of achieving peace by such disarmament as would deny aggression may be reached. Tie final word nows rests with Germany. The Manchester Guardian says: Those who accept Locarno will accept the proposed convention. The Daily Herald says common sense prevailed and Germany, was invited to, enter the conversations for the purpose of concluding a general settlement, freely negotiated. This is a sane and sensible proposal, and there is ground for hoping that the German Government will not give a blank negative to the invitation. The News Chronicle says: Here, at least, is a new starting point. We hope the negotiations will be a step toward peace in Europe, that it will be pressed forward with vigour, and that it will meet with an encouraging response. The Daily Mail says the line followed by the National Government undoubtedly accords with the wishes of the people of this country. EMPIRE COUNTRIES NO CONSULTATIONS KEPT FULLY INFORMED LONDON, Feb. 4 Although. Britain, informally outlined the discussions with France to the High Commissioners of the Dominions, simultaneously submitting despatches to their Governments, the British attitude has not been the subject of inquiry by the Dominions. On the contrary, the negotiations were concluded without awaiting the Dominions' reactions. It is pointed out that this is the first major international parley for a considerable time in which it has not been necessary for Britain to do more than keep the Dominions informed. It is hoped that the proposals will be widely approved in the Dominions. IN HITLER'S HANDS FATE OF BRITAIN _ JOURNALIST'S OPINION LONDON, Feb. 4 Mr. G. Ward Price, writing in the Daily Mail, says the Anglo-French agreement can guarantee European pence only if Germany participates, whereupon the war clouds will be dispersed. Otherwise a world conflict is only a matter of time. The writer expresses the opinion that Britain's fate lies in the hands of Herr Hitler, whose acceptance of the invitation to join in the air pact would change European antagonism into cooperation. In spite offtertain unfavourable influences, Herr Hitler personally desires peace.