GERMAN POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 13

GERMAN POLICY

EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT OUTLINE OF DEMANDS EQUALITY AGAIN RAISED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received June 32, 0.15 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, June 12 The Berlin correspondent of the Times says the German reply to the British questionnaire is expected to reach London next week. Probably it will suggest an oral discussion as the best method of negotiation. It is not likely to commit Germany to the acceptance of the presentf territorial arrangements in Europe.

Genuine and lasting peace, it is held by Germany, cannot be based on territorial arrangements forced upon her by the Versailles Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest, plebiscites among Germans of neighbouring lands. For the same general reason the question whether Germany has yet readied equality of rights is also likely to bo answered in the negative. The Versailles Treaty, it is argued, was nominally based on selfdetermination, but that principle has never been applied yet to the German people.

Anything ITerr Hitler may contrive to do in regard to Austria might, therelore, be represented as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles peace was concluded. The reply is expected freely to refer to the Franco-Soviet treaty, which Germany holds has revolutionised the European situation, making a general limitation of armaments impossible at present, although it is argued that this is no reason why a start should not be made with the prohibition of the largest guns and tanks and with the conclusion of a Western Air Pact. The German Government is uncompromising in preferring to deal with each country, or group of countries, separately. It has not the slightest desire to participate in a general congress of the Powers. In such a gathering Germany fears she might find herself arguing her case single-handed against countries who stand to lose by its successful prosecution. The reply also probably will indicate that Germany is in no hurry to rejoin the League.