FRENCH ATTITUDE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23131, 1 September 1938, Page 13

FRENCH ATTITUDE

CABINET'S APPKOPAL OBLIGATIONS TO CZECHS INQUIRIES IN THE SALKANS POSITION IN EVEN? OF WAR By Telegraph—Press Assorlation— Copyright LONDON. August 30 The French Cabieet approved the definition of polic; by M. Bonnet, Foreign Minister, regarding Czechoslovakia and isssed instructions to her Ambassado/s, says the Paris correspondent iff the British United Press.

It is reported that the instructions are to inforn Poland, Rumania and Yugoslavia </ France's obligations to Czechoslovakia, and to request a definition of the position in the event of a German attack.

(BITTER GERMAN PRESS COMMENTS JN LONDON hindering of progress FINAL DECISION WITH HITLER ! British Wireless RUGBY, August r?0 The London newspapers again devote leading articles to the Central European situation. The Times comments on the fantastic misrepresentation of Sir John Simon's speech in the Berlin press, which seeks to imply that Britain is taking sides in the dispute and encouraging Czechoslovakia to refuse redress of just grievances of the Sudetens. "Britain has consistently urged that large drastic concessions should be made to the minority claims," says the Times. "Britain and the British people desire nothing more than a settlement by conciliation, which would enable the Czechs and Sudetens to live together in peace. It is to promote such a settlement that Viscount Runciman, who entered upon his task with German consent and approval, is working so patiently, but success can only be achieved by'mutual understanding and mutual accommodation. .

"The recent increase in tension has been caused by manifest signs that there are forces at work tending to hinder any progress in this direction. Among these disquieting symptoms foremost place must be given the revival of the violent anti-Czech campaign of the German press. "The campaign in the Reich newspapers has had most unfortunate effects, not only upon opinion and feeling in Germany, but in encouraging a spirit of intransigeance among the Sudetens themselves. "The-effect upon opinion abroad has been all the greater because this press campaign has coincided with German manoeuvres on an impressive scale. Ihe sounding made a few days ago by German envoys in several capitals, implying the possibility that Germany might be" compelled to intervene, further intensified the disquiet. There has been no British intervention in the dispute with which the Prague negotiations aro concerned. "In Sir John Simon s speech there was no attempt to dictate to others or lav down what form a settlement should take. It was a plain £ onfr ™*ation of - contingencies which Britain sought and seeks earnestly to "The final decisive word is with Herr Hitler. If be has the will, he has the power to silence those who would make mischief, to relieve the growing tension on the Continent and to aid a settle ment that would give the minorities 1 Czechoslovakia their full part Uf The News Chro.iiclo (Liberal) and the Daily Herald (tahonr) also declare that the'ultimate decision rests with H Hitler.

DOMINIONS INFORMED BRITAIN'S FIRM POLICY MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S VIEWS LONDON, August 30 The Colonial Secretary, Mr. Malcolm Mac Donald, and Sir Robert \ nnsiittart, who is deputising for Lord Stanlev, Dominions Secretary, during us absence in Canada, obtained from Mr Chamberlain his views on the crisis for submission to the Dom.mons, which are being kept informed of Britain s determination to pursuethe firmest policy with Germany, states the Aus traliau Tress Association. CLOSE CONSULTATION MR. LYONS' STATEMENT CANBERRA, August 31 The Federal Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, said to-day that there is acute tension in Kuropc, but Britain, realising the danger to world peace, is doing everything possible to bring about a peaceful and reasonable settlement. "We are in closest consultation on the measures and steps which are being taken," he added. NAZI ACCUSATION BRITISH PRESS ARTICLES LONDON, August 30 The leader of the Nazi foreign organisation, Herr Ernst Boehle, received British press correspondents and admitted that the foreign Nazi organisation had suffered serious setbacks, says the Munich correspondent oi the Daily Telegraph. Herr Boehle blamed the British Government lor that, declaring that Britain instructed the press to launch a campaign of lies and slander. Other Governments Ave re following Britain's example. _ Following the meeting of the British Cabinet, says the correspondent of the Australian Associated Press, the British Ambassador, Sir Nevilo Henderson, is now able to return to Berlin with full, unanimous and definite but unwritten instructions which he will attempt to convey to Herr Hitler personally, as it is doubtful whether Herr von liibbentrop has passed on the first warning.

Sir Nevile Henderson, the correspondent says, was also empowered to issue a demarche in Berlin in the event of a breakdown of the Runciman negotiations, and Britain will then use all her influence, and, if necessary, the full force at her command to line up all nations determined to preserve peace.