PEACE APPEAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23504, 15 November 1939, Page 11

PEACE APPEAL

ALLIES 7 ADVANTAGE DISCONTENT IN GERMANY DIVISION IN NAZI PARTY By .Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. Nov. 13 The situation created by the initiative of Belgium and Holland, and the British and French replies, is undoubtedly an Allied tactical success, placing on Germany the responsibility for the Netherlands' future, and for the fact that negotiations are no longer by exchange of diplomatic Notes but with armies in the field, says the New York Times' Paris correspondent. The Allies were previously at a disadvantage owing to the fact that the Nazis were prepared to take military action if their demands were not satisfied. Now they can match Hitler's diplomacy with an even greater show of force. The correspondent adds that it is evident that the opportune moment to attack either Belgium or Holland has passed. It is believed the Munich incident, and the ferocity with which the Gestapo is suppressing sporadic manifestations of opposition to the regime, are symptomatic of the discontent which neutrals declare is openly discussed in all circles. One of the most curious features of the discontent is that the National Communist Left Wing of the Nazis is beginning to become most prominent. There is the inevitable reaction among the industrialists, land-owners, middle classes and military against the National Communists, so the division within the Nazi party becomes more marked every day. False hopes of quick disintegration in the party, and the collapse of Hitler's supreme authority are discouraged in France, but the Nazis' hesitation in launching a total war, the Munich outrage and neutrals' reports 4jll tend to prove that uncertainty and division have begun to reign where previously Hitler's clean-cut decisions were everybody's law.

HITLER'S REPLY

EARLY RECEIPT EXPECTED INDICATIONS FROM BERLIN TRUCULENT ATTITUDE LONDON, Nov. 18 The Rotterdam correspondent of the Times says Hitler's reply to tho mediation offer by Belgium and Holland should be handed over by to-morrow. The Dutch Government does not regard the door as closed.

Tho official German news agency states that the British reply to the peace appeal is a challenge to Germany and sabotages mediation in advance.

The German radio announced that Hitler has not replied to the " peace appeal," but he clearly announced at Munich that Germany demands Britain's abstention from interference in Central Europe as a condition for peace. The stalemate on the Western Front will continue only so long as the diplomatic game concerning the mediation offer is still on.

A message from The Hague says Queen Wihnelmiha received the United States Minister, Mr. G. A. Gordon. It is believed his visit concerned the mediation offer.

The Belgian Foreign Office announces that the talks at Breda between the Belgian and Dutch Foreign Ministers exclusively dealt with the mediation offer.

The Netherlands and Belgium are still continuing their efforts for peace. "If the present effort fails we will try again," said the Netherlands Prime Minister, Jhr. Degreer. The German reply to the peace proposals is eagerly awaited in Rome. The general opinion in Italy is that the last word has not yet been said. .

FISHING INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Received November 14, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Nov. 13 A standing committee containing representatives of boat-owners, employees and Government departments lias been set up to advise the Minister of Fisheries. Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith, and the Scottish Secretary, Lieutenant D. J. Colville, on matters relating to the production side of the fishing industry. IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S ILLNESS (Received November 14, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 13 The Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, is making progress in his recovery from a severe attack of gout. TIMBER FOR GERMANY YUGOSLAVIA STOPS TRADE (Received November 14, 5.5 p.m.) BELGRADE, Nov. J3 Yugoslav timber exports to Germany have been stopped becauso the price is unsatisfactory.