COLONIAL ISSUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22901, 2 December 1937, Page 13

COLONIAL ISSUE

SETTLEMENT SOUGHT EMPIRE TO BEAR SHARE GENERAL PRESS COMMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. Nov. 30 The Times states: "That the British Empire .will be called upon to take its appropriate share of a colonial settlement with Germany has always been clear, but there is no ground for the cynical suggestion that British opinion envisages a solution at someone else's expense. "Other Powers with interests in mandated territories must also be brought into the discussion. "The colonial question is one of several which must be disposed of by a method of give and take if appeasement is to be reached. "The London conversations rightly brought disarmament into reckoning. A mistake in the past lias been the attempt at disarmament without conciliation. The scope and tone of the talks were full of promise." German Demands Surprise The Daily Telegraph says: "The communique's reassurances of British and French harmony would alone justify the London conversations. It is no secret that the extent of Germany's colonial demands much surpassed expectations, and nobody should be surprised that only a preliminary discussion was found possible. Some time must elapse before further approaches can be made. "In the meanwhile, we must formulate, our own proposals. Nothing has yet happened to suggest that a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached." The News Chronicle states: "The communique suggests that Britain and Franco are determined to pursue a policy of 'iron-handed concession,' which is the only, right one to adopt. They have shown goodwill. If Germany and Italy reciprocate, Europe's crises may slowly mend." The Daily Herald says: "After the Anglo-French conversations those who feared that Britain might arrange a deal with Herr Hitler at the expense of France, can sigh with relief and cease to worry." Four-Power Pact Visualised The diplomatic correspondent of the Herald says British and French experts will begin immediately to examine Germany's colonial claims and seek a solution, which can be submitted to Herr Hitler, and later probably to some form of international colonial conference. The Daily Mail's diplomatic correspondent says ho understands that Mr. Chamberlain visualises further talks leading to a pact between Britain, France, Germany and Italy, an essential feature of which would be an allround arms agreement. However, nodirect approach to Germany will be made until the Anglo-French exchanges reach a more definite stage. In the meanwhile, contact will be established with Italy ,with a view to the negotiation of a new Mediterranean understanding. It is understood, says the correspondent, that Herr Hitler sought the return of Togoland, the Erench Cameroons and also the creation of a new mandatorv territory in Belgian Congo and Angola, over which Germany would have a mandate on condition that a chartered company was created in which interests of Germany, Belgium and Portugal would be recognised, but Germany would have the majority of the shares.

EUROPE'S FUTURE

PARLEYS PROVE USEFUL CONSULTING THE DOMINIONS (Received December 2, 3.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 1 All sections of the British and French press appear to be satisfied that the Anglo-French and Anglo-German conversations have served a useful .purpose. The British Government's intention to proceed in easy stages is generally approved. The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says there is a new opportunity for diplomacy to achieve fruitful work. Much needs to be clone in the preliminary inquiry pn the colonial question, upon which Britain and France will embark immediately, with due provision for consultation with South Africa, Australia,- New Zealand and Belgium. In the meantime Britain and France agree that the question cannot be considered in an isolated manner, that it is linked with the future safeguards of the peace of Europe, such as an arms agreement. The subjects of the Anglo-French discussion not mentioned in the communique were relations toward Italy, the position of the Balkans, North African problems, and the situation regarding Russia. "Pertinax," in the Echo de Paris, says: "The possibilities of any separate Anglo-German entente are now removed by explicit assurfinees which Mr. Chamberlain gave to M. Chautemps. The English have little inclination, .to give up any of their colonial territory. They Mill give results only if a general settlement appears possible."