SHAKEN FAITH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18974, 26 March 1936, Page 15

SHAKEN FAITH

UNEASY EUROPE EARLY ACTiON NEEDED FURTHER HINT TO HITLER IMPATIENCE IN PARIS CONCESSIONS FRUITLESS (Klcc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Arsh.) meed. March 26, 3 p.m.) LONDON,. March 25. The diplomatic correspondent of The Times says that the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, is very busy preparing hi* 'statement which is to be made before the House of (-'ominous and is expected to elucidate: Firstly, the importance the Government attaches to the temporary cotitribution which Germany was asked to make in the European crisis in order to restore the shattered confidence. Secondly, the limits set to the, negotiations by the requirements of FVaiiee and Belgium, after the large concessions they already had made. thirdly, the extent of Ihe British obligations to assist France and Belgium in the event, of attack, and the scope of the proposed consultations between the general stall's. Fourthly, the nature of obligations of mutual assistance, and the technical arrangements proposed to ensure their execution as part of a definite settlement.

Fifthly, tlie procedure for a further exchange of views, and the part the Council of the League of Nations is (0 play in them. POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION It is understood that Mr. Eden today informed the German envoy, Herr von Ribbentrop, that Britain considered long-range proposals would not meet the immediate situation. He hoped that llerr Hitler would take into account the need for repairing the shattered confidence of European Powers. He also conveyed the hope of Britain that Herr Hitler would offer a positive contribution to overcome the difficulties of tlie interim period. Britain was withstanding the French pressure for early technical consultations on security "with the objection that there was no cause for them until Herr Hitler presented his proposals. Herr von Ribbentrop is to fly to Berlin on Thursday or Friday, and is expected to return with the proposals on Monday or Tuesday. FEELING IN FRANCE The Paris correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says the feeling is growing in Franco that all of the concessions made by the French Foreign Minister, M. Flandin, are likely to I.e. in vain, especially as it is reported from London, that the draft letter promising France and Belgium the support of Britain in the event' of a German attack has no practical significance. It is feared Chat if Britain 'attempts ito rebuild Europe according to Herr Hitler's ideas. it. will mean an acute Anglo-French crisis'. Many declare that Fiance had better leave' the League of Nations if Britain is not prepared Jie League's terms for reconstruction in preference to those of Herr Hitler. The anti-French utterances of Certain Brilish newspapers arc causing real dismay in Paris, as re is insisted that France stands for peace, whereas Germany's intentions are suspect despite her 'professions. Some wonder whether the Anglo-German Jieart-to-lieart talks with France out of the way might, not result in Britain giving Herr Hitler a free hand to expand in the east of Europe.