FRENCH PROTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 9

FRENCH PROTEST

ATTITUDE OF GERMANY NOTE SENT TO LEAGUE QUESTION OF DISARMAMENT PACTS AND REPUDIATION By Telograph—Press Association—Copyright GENEVA. April 14 The French Note to the League of Nations regarding Germany declares that if unilateral breaches of engagements bqcome general there will soon not be room for any policy except force. The League is requested to devise a remedy for and action to prevent a recurrence. The Note attributes the extent ef the German Air Force to long and secret building up and points out that the official announcement of February 20 stated that Germany had only a few test aeroplanes, whereas, three months later, Herr Hitler admitted parity with Britain. The conscription decision, instead of helping disarmament, had raised the problem of general rearmament. The Note questions the usefulness of continuing efforts to conclude pacts of non-aggression and mutual assistance if they can be repudiated without consequences except moral reprobation. REPLY BY GERMANY COMMENT IN BERLIN "COMPULSION OF NECESSITY" BERLIN, April 14 Official comment in Berlin describes the French Note as a clever speech for the defence in the guise of a prosecutor's address. It adds that the Note ignores the fact that Germany was under the compulsion of necessity. The League, far from guarding treaties, looked on helplessly while other Powers secretly increased their armaments. If France thought it incumbent to remind Germany of the solemnity of the Versailles Treaty, Germany would recall to France her disarmament obligations under the Locarno Treaty. FIGHTING AEROPLANES PRESENTATION TO HITLER PROPOSED BIRTHDAY GIFT LONDON. April 14 The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Herald reports that Herr Hitler's Storm Troops will present him with a number of fighting aeroplanes in celebration of his birthday. A confidential circular orders all Storm Troops to contribute to the gift, which is "to help to guarantee the peace of Europe."