NAZI DECISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 12

NAZI DECISION

PREMIER'S REPLY BRITAIN READY / iWAB RESPONSIBILITY V ' TON RIBBENTROP'S PART ißy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, Oct. 'Jfi . Stating that no one in Britain would be by the distortion of the truth in/ von Ribbentrop's speech on Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Mr. ■Chamberlaiiij suggested in the House of Commons to-day that it might be thought to have significance since it followed lengthy consultations between the Nazi leaders. . • "I do not propose to waste time commenting 'on many details of this performance," be said. "There is already evidence that von Ribbentrop has been no more successful in his attempt to mislead impartial observers in other parts of the world. Indeed, I even cherish the hope that in spite fof all suppressions and falsifications there are still some in Germany itself who see where the real truth lies. "The main thesis of his speech is that it was Britain, and not Germany, who desired and plotted for the war The whole world knows this is not trno The whole world knows no Government .ever sought more ardently to avoid war, or took greater risks to preserve peace .than the Government of this country. Remarkable Volte-face , "I will make one other comment .upon von Ribbentrop's speech. He desires, it seems, to invite the Soviet to join in a crusade against the British

Empire." . "Why what a change is here," exclaimed { Mr. Chamberlain amid cheers. '"Let me read two sentences from von Ribbentrop's address to the press when ,:he first came to Britain in 1936. .many wants to be friends with Britain, arid I think the British people also wish German friendship. The Fuehrer is convinced there is only one real danger to Europe and the British Empire as well, ■ that is" the spreading further of Communism, this most terrible of all disease —-terrible because the people generally, seem to realise the danger "only when it is too late.' " Qheers in House Laughter which the citation evoked and in which the Soviet Ambassador in the Diplomat's gallery, M. Maisky, joined, was stilled as members heard "the Prime Minister's measured comment that .the positive conclusion to be drawn from the Danzig speech was that the German Government had apparently made the choice which, as lie made clear on October 12, lay before them. _ Von Ribbentrop had announced their intention, of seeing the struggle through with all their energy and strength. ."If that is indeed their decision there can be .but one reply, and," declared Mr. Chaluberlain emphatically, "we are prepared to-give it.", .' The House renewed its cheers when he added, "But it is hot England that has challenged Germany. It is the German Government which, by persistent acts of aggression pursued in the face of repeated warning, lias forced us at last reluctantly to take up arms. It is tjie German Government which, by reckless disregard of its t pledged word and the rights and liberties of other peoples, must bear the responsibility for this war and all its consequences. * '' Judgment on Facts

"We have already published with complete frankness all the ' essential documents relating to the causes of the war. We are content to be judged by the facts, and know the verdict of the great "majority of neutral observers will be in our' favour. .. "Sir'Nevile Henderson's final report referred to the encouragement given to Hitler in his designs on Poland by von Ribbentrop, who apparently advised him : up to. the last moment that Britain would not fight. Yet von Ribbentrop now asserts the whole object of British policy sihee 1933 has been to concert ..war against Germany. "One of the questions historians in tlie future will have to consider is how far the great tragedy of our times was due to the failure of von Ribbentrop to comprehend either the policy or the character of the British people."

, Threats No Deterrent The Leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, referring to von Ribbentrop's speech, said it did not sqem worth while-to follow up statements of 'that kind. "Threats will not deter lis from our duty," he added. "We stand ready for peace, but it must be real peace." Speaking in the House of Lords, the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, described von Ribbentrop's speech as a "most clumsy attempt to divide Britain and France, whoso relations had never been more complete or more intimate. If von Ribbentrop was unsuccessful in understanding • the British people, he was. less successful in understanding the joint mind "of Britain and France.

AIR SQUADRONS OFFER FROM RHODESIA LONDON, Oct. 2fi The Southern Khodesian Govern-ment-has offered to bring the air unit already maintained up to full squadron strength, aiso to maintain two additional squadrons as well as three squadrons on any front. SESSION NEXT WEEK SOVIET''SUPREME COUNCIL LONDON, Oct. -27 An extraordinary .session of the Soviet Supreme Council is to be held next, Tuesday. The session, it is believed, has been called to ratify the recent Soviet pacts, and to discuss the annexation of Eastern Poland.

RUSSIA AND HUNGARY LONDON, Oct. of! The Soviet has appointed M. Sharonoff. formerly Ambassador to Poland. Russian -Minister to 'Hungary. OCCUPATION OF VILNA LONDON, Oct. 27 The occupation of Vilna by Lithuanian . itoroft** began this morning. Ik