"HOUR OF DANGER"

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18661, 22 March 1935, Page 5

"HOUR OF DANGER"

FRANCE SPEAKS OUT FRANK REPLY TO GERMANY RESPONSIBLE FOR UNREST "A TRAVESTY OF TRUTH" (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received March 22, 11 a.m.) PARIS, March 21. The note to Germany says that Germany, after accepting an invitation to discuss the Franco-British proposals, deliberately compromised the possibility of successful negotiation. France places on Germany responsibility for the world unrest and the possible consequences thereof.

SI. Flaudin's speech in the .Senate is regarded as historic, and was certainly characterised by fearless frankness. He traversed Herr Hitler's declaration point by point and said that a Franco-German reconciliation could not be based on a travesty of truth and' a negation of law and justice. It was untrue that the German people had laid down their anus after a war which they -.had not wanted. The world's judgment as regards the responsibility for unchaining war was given long ago. while if the German people had laid down their arms, it was because the coalition of tfie nations fighting for right was victorious, as it would be victorious in the future.

These passages were received with loud cheers.

Declaring that it was untrue, that Germany had fulfilled her obligations under the treaty, M. Flandin declared that, modifications of treaties were possible, but only within the framework oi legality. "France hates war, and all measures for the maintenance of peace will be taken," he said. "The Government will not cease its efforts to group round itself a powerful bloc of Stales which have preserved the same ideals as ourselves. Let us re-temper and re-ereate the national soul and re-establish unity. 1 do not doubt that France has near her a whole train* of nations who will join her in the hour of danger." ITALY'S STRONG PROTEST o NOTE TO GERMANY (deceived Mnrch 22, 11 a.m.) ROMR .March 21, The Italian Note to Berlin strongly protests against the German revocation of the Treaty of Versailles. It adds that, the Government, maintains the utmost reserve regarding Germany's decision and the probable developments thereof. THE FRENCH REPLY EXPLANATIONS REJECTED (Received Mnrch 22, II a.m.) BERLIN, March 21. Huron von Ne.urath has notified the' French Ambassador that Germany has rejected the explanation accompanying the French Note because "it did not take info account the actual position." Baron von Neumth similarly rejected the explanation with the. Italian Note.

ACTION IN AUSTRIA CONSCRIPTION PENDING (Received March'22, 11 a.m.) VIENNA, March 21. Prince Starhombcrg, in a .speech to the deputy leaders, officially recognised the "Sport and Drill Front," and unequivocally hinted that conscription was impending. Ho declared: "It i.s your duty to make the country's youth capable of bearing arms. The order for conscription, which will be. introduced within measurable time, may be a mere formality." FRENCH AIR DEFENCES ADDITIONAL £22,850,000 PARIS, March 21. The Government has decided to spend £22,850.000 on air defences, supplementary, to the amount, provided in the Budget in November. AMERICAN ATTITUDE "HANDS OFF" POLICY WASHINGTON, March 20. No report of the European arms situation has yet been received by the State Department from the Embassy in London, but it is understood that Sir John Simon has merely supplied information for the consideration of tins Government. In a press interview to-day, Mr. Roosevelt declined to give direct answers to a question on the Government's course of action, but indicated it would maintain a "hands oft" policy if possible. He took the occasion of reaffirm the hope that some success would result from the Geneva anus conference, and that America would continue its "good neighbor" policy in foreign affairs.