RHINELAND ZONE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 11

RHINELAND ZONE

GERMAN OBJECTIVE ATTITUDE OF FRANCE LONDON. Feb. 16 The Manchester Guardian's Paris correspondent says the French know that the continuance of the demilitarised Rhineland zone cannot be eternal, but they strongly feel that the League or a firm Franco-British attitude must prevent its abolition during the immediate and decisive years. The French case is that the Germans night and day are preparing for war, and that the repudiation or revision of the Locarno pact would facilitate Germany's military designs. The French, believing that the Hitler regime is totally incapable of thinking in terms of international morality, say that the revision of the Locarno pact would bo completely wasted on Germany. From Berlin it is reported that the National Zeitung, one of the Nazi Party's official newspapers, declares that Britain no longer reckons with a German attack on France but fears the just demands of Germany now that she has shaken off her chains and is armed. The paper adds that Germans, who thought an understanding with Britain could be easily attained, are astounded at the quiet confidence with which Britain regards French ratification of the Franco-Soviet military alliance.