THE NAVAL TREATY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23796, 1 May 1939, Page 9

THE NAVAL TREATY

DENOUNCED BY GERMANY NOTE SENT TO BRITAIN PROCEDURE IRREGULAR (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Apl. 28. Herr Kordt called at the Foreign Office to deliver the Note referred to by Herr Hitler in his speech with regard to the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935. The agreement stabilised the British and German naval ratio at 100 to 35 in all individual classes and in total tonnage. Submarines were an exception, and in this class parity was accorded. The Note of denunciation is understood to claim that Britain unilaterally deprived the agreement of its basis by means of the alleged encirclement policy. Informed quarters in London point out that the agreement was expressly stated to be permanent and contains no clause for denunciation, and that the only general reservation made by Germany was the right to examine the matter in conjunction with Britain if the general naval equilibrium should be violently upset bv abnormal construction on the part of other Powers. The view is expressed that the least Germany might have done was to offer to discuss the matter before rather than after proceeding to the denunciation course, which is itself illicit. In regard to the Naval Agreement of 1937 dealing with the advance exchange of information on building programmes and qualitative armaments Germany notes the treaty dealing with the exchange of information, but declares Germany’s intention of abiding by qualitative restrictions. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR GERMANY LONDON, Apl. 30. (Received Apl. 30, at 11 p.m.) » With the international spotlight focussed more strongly than ever on Poland, Europe spent the week-end digesting Herr Hitler’s speech. The British press unanimously expresses the opinion that Britain must not relax her protective measures. The Times believes that Herr Hitler is on the defensive. It says his alternatives are a conference, a deadlock, or war. but adds that unless Germany overthrows peace there will be no war. The Daily Herald’s impression is that Herr Hitler is not ready to risk a major war. The Daily Telegraph considers the speech does not change the international situation. Cabinet Meeting To-day When the British Cabinet meets to-morrow Lord Halifax will review the situation in the light of denunciation of the Polish pact, which is believed to have swung Poland into willingness for much closer co-operation with Russia. It is noted in London that Germany expects to take a few months to complete extensions 'to the Siegfried line, and a section of informed public opinion believes that no major move against Poland is likely before August. Britain has no immediate intention of taking up Herr Hitler’s suggestion to discuss a new naval treaty. Effect in Turkey Turkish circles consider Herr Hitler’s speech a complete refusal to shake the hand of President Roosevelt held out for peace. With regard to negotiations between Turkey and Russia, which were started at Ankara to-day, the feeling is that Herr Hitler’s speech has hindered Germany’s interests and will probably induce Turkey to make decisions entirely contrary to Herr Hitler’s wishes.