GERMAN STATESMEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21356, 9 June 1931, Page 7

GERMAN STATESMEN

THE VISIT TO ENGLAND DISCUSSIONS AT CHEQUERS FEATURED IN THE PRESS (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 6.' Last night Dr Bruening and Dr Curtius were the guests of the Prime Minister at dinner at the Foreign Office. The function was attended by leading members of the Government and of the Opposition. The visit of Dr Bruening and Dr Curtins, and the restrained statement made to journalists by the Chancellor on his arrival yesterday at Southampton, are the subjects of leading articles in several of the newspapers. The Times says: “By their first public statements the German Ministers have shown that they accepted the British invitation in the spirit in which it was made.” The Daily Telegraph describes the purpose of the visit as “ confirming by friendly and informal intercourse those good relations with the German Republic which are part of this country’s policy of goodwill and understanding with all of the family of nations.”

GERMANY’S DIFFICULTIES,

NEED FOR ALLEVIATION. RUGBY, June, 7. The conversations between the German statesmen visiting England and British Ministers, which began yesterday at Chequers, to which Dr Bruening and Dr Curtius motored after witnessing the ceremony of trooping the colour, were continued to-day. Accompanied by Mr Arthur Henderson (Foreign Secretary) and Mr William Graham (President of the Board of Trade) they went to a luncheon given by the Prime Minister and Miss Ishbel MacDonald. The following , were also present:—The German Ambassador, Mr A. V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty), the Governor of the Bank of England (Mr Montagu Norman), Mr Bernard Shaw, Sir Robert Vansittart, Sir Clive Wigrarn, Count Bernstorff, and Sir Frederick Leith Ross (of the Treasury). The visit was arranged several months ago. as a means of establishing personal and the opportunity had been taken for friendly talks on the position in which the German Reich and the industrial States now find themselves. During the discussions at Chequers, special stress was laid by the German Ministers on the difficulties of the existing position in Germany, and. the need for alleviation. British Ministers, for their part, called attention to the world-wide character of 'the present depression, and its special influence on Britain. Both parties, were agreed, it was stated, that in , addition to efforts and measures of a national character a revival of confidence and prosperity depended upon international co-operation. In this spirit both Governments will endeavour to deal with the present, crisis in close collaboration with the other governments concerned. NATURE OF DISCUSSIONS. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. s LONDON, June 7. It is officially stated that the conversation at Chequers comprised a friendly talk on Germany’s economic position and the necessity of alleviating the difficulties. Mr MacDonald and Mr Henderson emphasised the world-wide tuature of the depression. Both parties agreed that a revival of prosperity depended on international co-operation, besides national efforts. Both Governments will endeavour to deal with the crisis in close collaboration with the other governments concerned. A ' comprehensive account of the Chequers discussions will be despatched to. the dominions ’ and to ; interested foreign Powers. <The only concrete result possible from the conversations would be another Young Plan conference. This is likely to be the next step. NO POSITIVE RESULTS. LONDON, June 8. (Received June 8, at 9 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic contributor says: “ Despite reticence observed in official circles I gather that the com versations at Chequers have not yielded positive results and it is probable that both Governments will now take soundings in Paris, other Allied capitals, and Washington with a view to finding how means of alleviating the German position may be envisaged. The talk at Crequers was mainly on the economic issue, while disarmament ‘was only lightly touched upon. The atmosphere was friendly, but the Germans have not carried away any definite idea of how their difficulties are to be solved.”