EUROPEAN PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22566, 9 May 1935, Page 10

EUROPEAN PEACE

GERMANY AS A PARTNER ATTITUDE OF DOMINIONS (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 7. Unanimity of the dominions' opinion that there should be no anti-German bloc, but that efforts to create collective security in Europe should be persisted in, was expressed at to-day's meeting of English and dominion Ministers. The meeting lasted two hours. The dominions took an equally strong stand against the theory of Britain and the Empire saving themselves by splendid isolation. While General Hertzog's attitude naturally leaned further towards Germany than that of the other dominion Ministers,. they were unanimous that Germany should be treated as equal with the other negotiators, and that the door should be kept open for her. Ail the Empire spokesmen, nevertheless, concurred that Germany must share responsibility for the present state of uneasi ness by the character of her recent decisions, ' and the unfortunate moments chosen in which to pronounce them. The dominion Ministers agreed that no scheme of European peace was_ worth while unless Germany were a willing and helpful partner. , . . It is understood that the dominions expressed substantial agreement on the British policy up to the Stresa conference, but Australia, for one, considered some aspects of the Geneva resolution of April 17 undesirable. The question of dominion commitments in Europe did not arise, but will probably be introduced on Thursday, when the meeting will be resumed. This will be the last meeting at which all the dominion Prime Ministers will be present, as Mr B. B. Bennett will return to Canada on Friday. THE LOCARNO TREATY (British Official Wireless.) KUGBY, May 7. In the House of Commons to-day, asked whether in the event of any alteration by Germany in the demilitarised zone under the Treaty of Versailles it was to be understood that Britain would immediately go to the assistance of France with the whole of her armed forces under the Treaty of Locarno, Sir John Simon said the circumstances in which the British guarantee under the Treaty of Locarno would operate were specified in that treaty itself. As stated in the Anglo-Italian declaration embodied in the resolution of the Stresa conference the British Government would stand by all its obligations under the Treaty of Locarno and intended, should the need arise, faithfully to fulfil them. The Prime Minister, replying to a further question, said the Government was very anxious to put the House and ths country in possession of all available information in regard to Germany's air development. This could not, however, bo conveniently done in the form of a White Paper. As full a statement as possible would be made early in the forthcoming Foreign Affairs debate.

GERMANY'S AIR FORCE LONDON, May 8. (Received May 8, at B.SO p.m.) The News-Chronicle says it submitted to the German Air Ministry a report, believed to be trustworthy, that Germany has 3000 military aeroplanes and plans to build 7000 in the next two years and will order others abroad. She possesses 260 aerodromes, of which 100 are military. The German Air Ministry asserts that it possesses 1000 aeroplanes and ridicules the allegation that it Intends to build 7000, especially in view of the approaching air convention, which, if it confers security on Germany, will obviate the need for building. PRODUCTION OF SUBMARINES LONDON, May 8. (Received May 8, at 8.30 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph's naval correspondent says Germany is testing her capacity for mass production of submarines. Twelve are being built, identical in every structural part and item of equipment. There is no lack of volunteers for submarines and they are signing on for 12 years. It is obvious that the naval personnel much exceeds the treaty limit of 15,000. HOUSE OF LORDS DISCUSSION LONDON, May 8. (Received May 8, at 8.30 p.m.) In the House of Lords Lord Dickinson moved regretting the League resolution of April 16 and requesting the Government in concert with other Powers to resume negotiations with Germany in the direction of permanent peace in Europe. He said that if the Allies had dealt with Germany at Versailles as we did with the Boers at Vereeniging Europe might now be on the road to prosperity and Hitler painting signboards in Vienna. Lord Mottistone said doubtless he would be called a pro-German, but he thought history would record the Allies' failure to disarm as the beginning of the breaches of the Versailles Treaty. Lord Stanhope, replying, said it was the Government's fervent hope that Herr Hitler's speech next week would be a prelude to constructive German action in favour of peace. "We have drawn up a proposed air pact with France and Italy lias done the same. Let's see if we can get Germany to use her position as an equal to make concrete, practicable proposals." Lord Dickinson withdrew his motion. The League resolution was as follows '■ 1. That the scrupulous regard of all treaty obligations is the fundamental principle of international life, and is an essential condition of the maintenance of peace. 2. It is an essential principle of the law of the nations that no nation hns power to liberate itself from the engagements of a treaty, nor modify the rstipu lations except by the consent of the other contracting parties.

3. Thi' promulgation of tho military law of March 10, 1985, by the German Government conflicts with these principles. 4. That by this unilateral action thi German Government confers upon itself no right. 5. That this unilateral action, by introducing a Tiew disturbing element into the international situation, must necessarily appear to be a threat to Euro pean security. 6. On the other hand the British Government and the French Government, with the approval of tho Italian Government, communicated to the German Government as early as February 8, 10H5, a plan for a general settlument to be freely negotiated tor the organising of security in Europe, and for a general limitation of armaments in a system of equality of rights, white ensuring the active co-operation of Germany in the League of Nations.

7. That the unilateral action of Germany was not only inconsistent with this plan, but was taken at a time when negotiations were actually being pursued.

(a) Declare that Germany has failed in the duty which lies upon all members of the international community to respect undertakings which they have contracted, and condemn any unilateral repudiation of international obligations. (b) Invite the Governments which took the initiative in the plan of February 3, 1935, or which gave their approval to it, to continue the negotiations so initiated, and, in particular, to promote the conclusion within the framework of the League of Nations of agreements which may appear necessary to attain the object defined in this plan, due account being taken of the obligations of the covenant with a view to assuring maintenance of peace. (c) Considering that unilateral repudiation of international obligations may endanger the existence of the League of Nations as an organisation for the maintenance of peace and the promotion of security decides that such repudiation without prejudice to the application of the measures already contained in international agreements, calls into play all appropriate measures on the part of members of the League of Nations within the framework of the covenant, requests that a committee should propose for this purpose measures rendering the covenant more effective in the organisation of collective security, and define in principle the economic and financial measures which might be applied in the future to a State, whether a member of the League of Nations or not, endangering peace and repudiating its international obligations.