LOCARNO DENOUNCED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22825, 9 March 1936, Page 9

LOCARNO DENOUNCED

HERR HITLER'S DECLARATION DRAMATIC SPEECH IN REICHSTAG TROOPS RE-ENTER THE RHSNELAND VERSAILLES TREATY FLOUTED FRENCH FRONTIER FORCES INCREASED

From Berlin comes the dramatic news that Herr Hitler, in a speech in the Reichstag, denounced the Locarno Treaty, and that German troops re-entered the Rhineland on Saturday morning, flouting the provisions of the Versailles Treaty. A memorandum issued to the Ambassadors in Berlin states that the denunciation of the Locarno Treaty was due to the negotiations for a pact between France and Russia.

TROOPS MARCH INTO COLOGNE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) • :' BERLIN, March 7. (Received March 8, at 9 p.m.) German troops marched into demilitarised Rhineland early this morning. Before Herr Hitler uttered a word Germany flouted the Versailles Treaty, and German troops entered Cologne early in the morning. Meanwhile the British, French, Belgian and Italian Ambassadors called individually on Herr Hitler and received a memorandum which Is reported to have denounced the Locarno Treaty on account of the Franco-Soviet Pact, declaring that Germany regards herself free from the stipulations regarding demilitarised Rhineland, and expressing a willingness to agree to a new demilitarised zone, provided France and Belgium also demilitarise the zones on their own frontiers, offering to sign a 25-year pact of non-aggression provided Britain and Italy are guarantors, and expressing willingness to conclude an air pact in the west and a non-aggres-sion pact in the east, including Lithuania. The memorandum adds: "Germany expects the colonial question to be settled within a reasonable time through friendly negotiation. If all these matters are agreed to Germany is prepared to Tcturn to the League, but the Covenant must be separated from the Versailles Treaty." HERR HITLER'S SPEECH THE REAL GERMAN PROBLEM BERLIN, March 7. (Received March 8, at 9 p.m.) Herr Hitler entered the Reichstag at noon and declared: "General Goering summoned you at my orders. It is a meeting that the people will instinctively regard as decisive." Herr Hitler then reviewed the years following the war, declaring that Germany, above all Wtions, made sacrifices for President Wilson's idealism, yet tension had increased more than ever. "The god of

war has not laid down his armour hut has marched through the world more heavily armed than ever. Nations forced Germany to take credits, and simultane nusly destroyed her export trade, hlaming her afterwards for unwillingness to pay." European nations, after all, were memhers of a family. If common sense were not employed there would he an explosion, leaving a field of chaos behind. It was unwise to believe in so small a house as Europe. It was possible to have different conceptions of right. " The world often speaks of Germany's problem, which many consider lies in the difference between the German regime and that of other countries. Others see it in Germany's alleged war lust, dormant aggressive intentions, and devilish ability to get the better of her opponents. The real German problem is that 07.000,000 Germans live in a restricted area and claim just the same right to live as others. They have as little longing as the British and the French to die as heroes for fantastic ideals. Another German problem is Soviet interference in German affairs.. Germany's rearmament is not revival of the European problem but its solution. Germany saved other nations from Bolshevism. Europe is divided into two halves, one composed of independent national State* with whom we are tied by history and culture. The other half is governed by intolerant Bolshevism and philosophy. It is regrettable after all Germany's efforts to come to terms that France should conclude the Franco-Soviet Pact. I proposed everything possible to lessen

Franco-German tensions but all were rejected. Britain, with a sense of reality, accepted my proposal for a restrictive naval agreement, which is all that remains of the disarmament efforts." Herr Hitler described Russian armament, declaring it was contrary to the spirit of Locarno, and adding that the Soviet championed Bolshevism. Would Paris become another Moscow?

After speaking for 70 minutes, Herr Hitler read the memorandum handed to the Ambassadors, in which he stated it was indisputable that the Franco-Russian Treaty was directed solely against Germany. "Russia assumes obligations far beyond the stipulations of the League covenant. France is held to military action against Germany, even if not entitled to do it by the League's decisions. France thus claims for herself the right to decide who is an aggressor. The agreement in practice means nothing other than a decision to act as if the League and the Locarno Treaty did not exist."

Herr Hitler finished by announcing tha reoccupation of the Rhineland. " This is a historic hour at which German troops are now entering their garrisons in the western provinces of the Reich. We join them in a solemn oath not to yield before any Power or force in an effort to restore the honour of the nation. We will succumb rather than capitulate." General Goering announced that the Reichstag had dissolved to enable the people to vote on the Government's policy on March 29. - DRAMATIC MOMENTS BERLIN, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) There were dramatic moments during the Reichstag meeting. Dr Streicher sat next to Herr Hitler, behind whom General Goering sat contemplatively stroking his chin. Herr Hitler was frequently checked by. applause and the whole assembly rose and cheered without restraint for half a minute when reoccupation of the Rhineland was announced. The session ended with a triple " Heil Hitler!" and the singing of " Horst Wesscl" and " Deutschland Über Alles." READY TO RE-ENTER LEAGUE LONDON, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11.30 p.m.) In" his speech in the Reichstag Herr Hitler said: In order to avoid misinterpretation of the German intentions and the purely defensive reoccupation of the Rhineland, Germany is ready to negotiate a new agreement for the establishment of a system of European guarantee of peace. 1. She is ready to negotiate immediately -with Belgium for a mutual de- , militarised zone and agree to such proposal in every aspect under tin condition of complete parity. 2. She proposes, in order to secure inviolability of her eastern frontier, to conclude non-aggression pacts for 25 years between Germany, France and Belgium. 3. She invites Britain to sign treaties as guarantor. 4. Holland may join if she wishes and other Powers if they consider it opportune. 5. Germany is ready to conclude an air pact with western Powers suitable automatically and effectively to prevent the danger of sudden attacks. 6. Germany repeats her offer of nonaggression pacts with countries along her eastern frontier on the lines of the Polish non-aggression pact. This offer includes Lithuania in view of her recent changed attitude on the Memel question. 7. Now that Germany's equality and the Reich's complete sovereignty have been brought about the Government regards the chief cause of Germany's resignation from the League has been removed, therefore she is willing to re-enter the League. • THE FRANCO-SOVIET PACT FREQUENT DENUNCIATION BERLIN, March 7. (Received March 8, at 10 p.m.) Browrt-shirted, clutching n handkerchief in his clenched hand, and emphassising his sentences with abrupt: gestures, Herr Hitler throughout his speech repeatedly returned to denunciation of.the Franco-Soviet Pact, which he asserted destroyed any real equilibrium and contradicted both the letter and the spirit of .Locarno. Referring to Locarno he said Germany was always ready to fulfil the treaty while others did likewise. He added: "My conclusions regarding the now situation are hard. I bitterly regret denouncing Locarno, but I have tried repeatedly during the last three years to build a Franco-German bridge of understanding. It is infinitely tragic, after mauy years of honest endeavour to win French friendship, that a military alliance should have been concluded of which we know the beginning but not

the end. There may be incalculable consequences unless Providence has more rntrcy than men deserve." He denied that political activities against Versailles were intended to damage France, which had not suffered by restoration of equality in Germany. He added: " I cannot only make sacrifices for international rapprochement. I must also make them for my own people, who would rather shoulder all sacrifices than surrender their honour." Herr Hitler's voice remained firm until the peroration, when he sobbingly pleaded with outstretched arms for the people's support, saying: " Many European statesmen consider me a fantastic or at least burdensome scaremonger. Nevertheless, I never feel like a dictator but like a leader with plenipotentiary powers. I am often oppressed by worries and pass sleepless nights. I ask the German people to strengthen me in the struggle for true peace and stand up for honour." REJOICING IN COLOGNE GREAT WELCOME TO TROOPS LONDON, March 7. (Received March 8, at 9.30 p.m.) For the first time since 1918 German field grey uniforms were seen in the historic Cathedral square in Cologne, once familiar to the khaki-clad British Arury of Occupation, when a force of motorised cavalry, artillery and in-

fantry, fully equipped with modern armaments, mechanised machine guns, mortars, anti-aircraft guns, and antitank guns, marched in while Herr Hitler was still speaking in the Reichstag. When it was reported that the troops were en route German flags were hoisted in all parts of the city and the facades of buildings disappeared behind masses of bunting. Windows were filled with sightseers. General von Kluge, commanding the Munster district, who organised the reoccupation, accompanied by local officials, took up his post. Suddenly came the news that the troops had arrived, and the populace, singing " Deutschland Über Alles " and the Horst Wesscl Song, flocked to the station, and saw a long column of men in full war equipment streaming out. The crowd, flinging flowers, closed about them until only sloped rifles could be seen above the mass of heads. A tumultuous roar of cheers and greetings drowned the Regimental Band's marching tune. The 38th Infantry Regiment, wearing in their steel helmets red and white carnations, the colours of Cologne, recalling that they, before the war, formed part of the garrison in the city, were especially warmly welcomed. There were similar scenes of rejoicing in various towns on the Rhineland, including Aix la Chapelle, Treves, Saarbrucken, Coblcnz, and Mannheim. Thousands, including children who were seeing German soldiers for the first time, marched alongside the troops to the barracks, singing and cracking jokes. German troops reached the French frontier at the German end of Kehl bridgehead in Strasburg at dusk, 200 infantry taking up a position, being the first in the neighbourhood of France since 1918. Hundreds of French inhabitants stood silently at the French end of the bridge and watched the Germans establish sentries. The celebrations throughout the Rhineland continued far into the night, with monster torchlight processions. Cologne's famous cathedral bell, "Big Peter," which was last rung when the British evacuated the city in January, 192 G, boomed a welcome to the German troops. The Burgomaster of Frankfurt-on-Main telegraphed to Herr Hitler: "In this historic moment all citizens remember in grateful enthusiasm and love to whom we owe this long awaited hour of liberation."

It has been officially stated that the remainder of the troops will move in on Sunday, when the Rhineland's garrison will consist of 19 battalions of infantry, 13 artillery detachments, two flights of pursuit planes and two detachments of anti-aircraft guns. The majority will be stationed along the Rhine and in the Rhine Valley between the Black Forest and the Rhine, with small garrisons at Aix-la-Chapelle, Treves and Saarbrucken, and air squadrons at Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfort and Mannheim.

Berlin celebrated " the erasure of the last stains on German honour" with a torchlight procession, 25,000 jubilant Nazis, led by Herr Hitler's goose-stepping Guards wearing black uniforms and black helmets, marching with fixed bayonets through surging crowds of people who waved flags and handkerchiefs en route. Standing on the balcony of the Chancellery in a blaze of searchlights, Herr Hitler raised his arm continuously as the procession passed. Radio stations broadcast a revised programme, backed with patriotic items. Dr Goebbels, in a broadcast speech, thanked Rhinelanders for the message of gratification and emphasised that reoccupation was really a peace gesture, promising a new and better future for all Europe. The troops entered the Rhineland, not thinking of revenge but only of peace. REPERCUSSIONS IN EUROPE STATEMENT BY M. FLANDIN LONDON, March S. (Received March 8, at 10 p.m.) Herr Hitler's denunciation of Locarno produced immediate repercussions in every capital in Europe. In Paris M. Flandin, in a statement to the press, said: "The Government, in the Chamber of Deputies, has given utterance to a desire for a FrancoGerman rapprochement, despite the fact that Germany for a year had not replied to overtures, notably in November, 1935, when the French Ambassador asked insistently that Germany should negotiate a Franco-German air pact." M. Flandin then revealed that the French Ambas-

aador had received instructions on February 29 to seek an urgent audience with Herr Hitler in order to obtain bases on which there was a possibility of a rapprochement. During an audience with Herr Hitler on March 2, at which Baron von Neurath was present, a reply was given that the question was coining up for the German Government's consideration with a view to definite proposals as soon as possible. Germany asked, in order to facilitate the negotiations, that the Ambassador's visit should be secret, to which we acceded. Baron von Neurath to-day received a memorandum in which Germany repudiated Locarno and announced her intention of immediately acting on it. Nevertheless, the treaty expressly stipulates it ought to remain in force until the Council of the League of Nations has given a contrary decision."

M. Flandin added: "Germany's interpretation of the Franco-Soviet Pact is entirely inaccurate, especially when she declares it is incompatible with Locarno. Germany paid no attention to the justification France had been furnishing nearly all the year, which received the support of the other signatories of Locarno. However much Germany felt aggrieved its Government ought, if diplomatic channels appeared to be insufficient, to have submitted her grievances to the procedure of conciliation and arbitration prescribed by Locarno." M. Flandin said that the Ambassador, when handed the German Note, asked whether it constituted a reply to the request of March 2, and he was told that the document contained that reply. Accordingly Franco-German reconciliation was to

have as its basis unilateral denunciation of a freely concluded treaty, the authors of which set themselves the taek of preparing such reconciliation. Moreover it was to be by the acceptance of a fait accompli. The French Government carefully examined the German Note and without prejudice to other measures had established contact with other signatories to the treaty with a view to common opposition to repudiation of Locarno. While France was. faithful to the treaty France decided to bring the question before the Council of the League. FRENCH ARMY LEAVE STOPPED LONDON, March S. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The first tendency in France has been to appeal for calmness. Nevertheless all army leave has been stopped and officers and men have been recalled by telegram. Fortifications are being manned and strengthened. while detachments of mobile guards have been sent to reinforce the frontier police. These precautionary measures to protect the frontier arc being taken tranquilly by the population on the frontier, who have been expecting the Germans to re-enter the Rhineland for a week owing to German officers arriving in various towns to prepare accommodation. Commentators expect France at the League to ask for financial and economic sanctions against Germany under the Stresa resolution, drafted after Germany's reimposition of conscription, which the League passed, providing that a committee of Britain, Canada, China, Spain, France, Hungaryi Turkey, Russia and Jugoslavia should propose measures to render the Covenant more effective for collective security, especially defining economic and financial measures applicable to a State endangering peace by unilateral repudiation of international obligations. It is considered that Francs will receive Britain's support in view of Mr Eden's recent statement in the House of Commons and as a counterpart of French support for Britain against Italy, while the Soviet and the Little Entente will also support her. It is also believed that France intends to insist that Germany should re-evacuate the Rhinelaud. in which she demands the support of Britain, Italy and Belgium. Paris newspapers generally condemn Germany's " brutal violation of the treaty" and declare that Germany cannot be trusted. The French have reoccupied their bridgehead at Kehl, which was evacuated under Locarno. Thus French and German soldiers are again facing each other. Meanwhile the forces on the frontier zone, which France has strongly fortified but is holding with skeleton troops, are being brought to full strength from depots. LEAGUE CIRCLES SHOCKED GENEVA, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) League circles are shocked by the German denunciation of the Locarno Treaty. It is believed in some quarters that Signor Mussolini persuaded Herr Hitler to strike while the League was occupied with Abyssinia. MERELY "SYMBOLIC" BERLIN, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) Diplomatic representatives of the Locarno Powers have been informed that reoccupation is symbolic and confined to a few battalions. The Government does not intend to carry out reoccupation in force. ITALY APPROACHED LONDON, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The Rome correspondent of an exchange says: "It has now been revealed that Germany during the week approached Italy with a view to joining in denunciation of the Locarno Treaty, but Signor Mussolini refused." BRITAIN NOTIFIED LONDON, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The German Ambassador handed HenHitler's memorandum to Mr Eden, who later saw the French, Dalian, and Belgian Ambassadors. He will see Mr Baldwin at Chequers, and the Cabinet will discuss the memorandum on Monday

BELGIUM'S ATTITUDE

BRUSSELS, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) M. Paul Zeeland (the Premier), M. Dveze (Minister for Defence), and M. Hyraans (Liberal leader) conferred, after which M. Zeeland announced that he had replied to Germany regarding denunciation, of Locarno that Belgium was reserving her attitude pending consultations with London, Paris, and Rome. The colonels of certain frontier regiments have stopped the men's leave on their own initiative. HOLLAND'S NEUTRALITY AMSTERDAM, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The Government is considering HenHitler's invitation. The Spokesman pointed out that Holland always followed complete neutrality and was unlikely to change her policy, as it might involve her in a European conflict. • ITALIAN COMMENT ROME, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) Commentators express the opinion that Germany's return to the League would be valuable as a counter balance to England and France, who over-dominate the Council. Moreover, it is believed it would be a mortal blow to sanctions. "ATTEMPT TO BLUFF FRANCE" MOSCOW, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) Unofficial circles regard Herr Hitler's action ae a last desperate attempt to bluff France into non-ratification of thi> pact. Critics, characterising Herr Hitler as " the madman of Europe," recall M Stalin's recent remark, " Nowadays wars are not declared, they simply start." Kovno says Herr Hitler's offer of a pact was well received, but there i« pome concern whether it would mean Germany's interference in Lithuanian domestic affairs. LABOUR LEADER'S VIEW LONDON, March 8. (Received March 8, at 11.30 p.m.) " Those desiring peace should take Herr Hitler at his word" declares Mr George Lansbury. "Europe and the world are reapiug the harvest of bitterness, hatred, distrust and disillusionment sown by penal peace treaties. Britain and France do not need any mobilisation other than the mobilisation of common sense. Any attempt to gain security by universal slaughter will fail." The Observer editorially declares: "We must keep cool heads and just hearts. Britain's first need is to repair her own defences. Her second is to consider Herr Hitler's brilliant and timely proposals in a spirit of sympathy, goodwill and sober realism." ITALY LIKELY TO BENEFIT NEW YORK, March 7. (Received March 8. at 11.30 p.m.) While the press of the country is featuring at great length the march on the Rhine, the complete text of Herr Hitler's declaration, and comment from various capitals, American officialdom in Washington, in the words of the New York Times correspondent, " hastily assumed the attitude of aloof observers." The German Ambassador, Dr Luther, called a conference of correspondents and reiterated the reasons given by the Chancellor for the abrogation of the Versailles and Locarno Treaties, and expressed the opinion that the step " will benefit the United States." The State Department's only comment was that the Rhine question did not arise in the Treaty of Berlin, which was the only instrument to which the United States was committed, as it is not a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles. The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald-Tribune states that informally there is general agreement among Washington observers that "Italy is likely to be a beneficiary from the situation. The diversion created by Herr Hitler is regarded as likely to put an end to the proposals to apply further sanctions against Italy," as it concerns the possible effect on the Franco-Soviet Pact. The correspondent indicates that a difference of opinion exists, some quarters holding that Herr Hitler's move has now given French opinion an opportunity to change its mind before final ratification,! with possible isolation of the Soviet, which is considered the primary objective of Herr Hitler's foreign policy. Other quarters maintaint however, that the action of Germany to-day guarantees ratification of the alliance between France and tho Soviet.

The New York Times, in a leader, says: " Germany has resorted to unilateral action in plain disregard of existing commitments. Herr Hitler's action adds to tho grave problems with which European democracies are confronted." A Herald-Tribune leader says: " Germany has suddenly cocked the gun which is unquestionably capable of blowing Europe into that general war towards which the Continent has seemed mor* and more steadily tending. One may guess that Germany will again win thu gamble as she has at every stage of her long struggle to break out of the bounds imposed on her in 1918." EFFECT ON MARKETS LONDON, March 7. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The German developments caused a flurry on the foreign exchange markets. The most serious repercussions were felt at Vienna, where there was a great slump.

EARLIER MESSAGES LONDON, March 6. (Received March 8, at 5.5 p.m.) There is speculation from Berlin whether Herr Hitler is planning a great national demonstration at which he will announce immediate remilitarisation of the Rhinelaud and denunciation of Locarno as a sequel to the Franco-Soviet treaty. Britain is anxious to save Locarno, believing it is the strongest existing international instrument for Britain's mediation between France and Germany. A possibility exists of a conference of Locarno Powers to examine the situation. It is believed that Herr Hitler will also refer to the effect of Italy's threat to leave Locarno and declare that he considers that Germany is no longer bound to respect the provisions with regard to demilitarisation of the Rhineland, after which he will secure the Reichstag's authority to denounce Locarno in certain contingencies, although it is not expected that he will announce immediate remilitarisation of the Rhineland.

The Daily Telegraph's Berlin correspondents point out that the summoning of the Reichstag, where Herr Hitler's speech is being broadcast throughout Germany, was the climax to a day of sensational happenings. He expects Herr Hitler to declare that Germany, owing to the Franco-Soviet Pact, will resume full diplomatic freedom, especially in the Rhineland, but much speculation exists whether remilitarisation is imminent, which will probably depend on the degree of Herr Hitler's dissatisfaction with the reception of his somewhat nebulous overtures to France. If Herr Hitler has not abandoned hope of direct Franco-German negotiations _he may restate his offer, with the Reichstag's added authority, thereby reviving the scheme for a West European pact excluding Russia, on which German hatred is concentrated. It is not expected, despite the Italian victories, that Herr Hitler will propose a new orientation to Italy, as while the war continues it is felt that the situation is too unstable for fresh commitments. If Herr Hitler decides to regard as a slight to German honour France's attitude to the peace overtures, which semi official commentators describe as the Fuhrer's last word, a march to the Rhine, either immediately or in the near future, cannot be ruled out. Undoubtedly preparations for this have long been completed by the military authorities, and its accomplishment could be started by the despatch of a scries of telegrams already prepared; Another possibility is that Herr Hitler may combine a defiant military gesture, intended to impress and consolidate domestic opinion, with a reasoned project drawn up in collaboration with the Foreign Office, thus presenting the world with both an accomplished fact and an appeal for peace. The Daily Mail's Berlin correspondent says: " The summoning of the Reichstag was preceded by a two-hour meeting between General Goering, General von Blomberg (War Minister), General von Fritsch (commander of the army), Admiral Roder (commander of the navy), and other officers of high rank. SUDDENNESS OF ACTION LONDON, March 6. (Received March 8, at 11 p.m.) The Times Berlin correspondent says: "With characteristic suddenness Herr Hitler summoned the Reichstag to meet a*-, noon on March 7 to hear a statement on foreign policy. Herr Hitler invited the British, French and Italian Ambassadors, as representatives of the Locarno Powers, to visit him before the Reichstag meeting. This combination of events leads to the expectation that Herr Hitler will especially refer to the present and potential position of Locarno, probably clarifying in advance Germany's attitude to the French request for additional British guarantees against German aggression on the Rhine, and anticipate the statement he intended to make when the Franco-Soviet Pact was ratified. General Goering to-night is entertaining leading Nazis and members of the Reichstag at a beer party, at which he will doubtless reveal the general lines of the declaration to the audience, which will presumably enthusiastically and unanimously approve it to-morrow. This message was apparently delayed in transit.