FEARS IN FRANCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18974, 26 March 1936, Page 5

FEARS IN FRANCE

GERMAN APPETITE INCREASE IN DEMANDS BRITISH VIEW DISLIKED HITLER RESENTS "INSULT" DOUBT OF HIS WORD (Klec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Heed. March 26. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON. March 25. The Paris correspondent of the NewsChronicle says it is no exaggeration to say that a serious turn lias been reached in relations between France and Britain. The Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail says that M. Flandin, the French Foreign Minister, interviewed by n newspaper, criticised Britain for assuming the role of mediator in attempting to settle differences between France and Germany. He said it was a matter of far" more significance, involving the existence of the League. If in a case where, defending everyone's rights. France was forced to make an isolated stand, could a Franco-British entente survive the crisis? he asked. The 'Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent says that M. Flandin officially informed the British Government that he would refuse to consider the proposals of the Locarno Powers and would not return to London to discuss German counter-proposals. FIERCE PRESS BARRAGE The Paris correspondent of the NewsChronicle says further that fears that Britain is leading France into further concessions to Germany arc- responsible for a fierce press barrage against all negotiations with Germany, which has broken out under Governmental inspiration. The French public would be profoundly shocked if France left the League, but it would be unwise in the Oovernment's present frame of mind to dismiss such an outcome, as impossible. The French Government's attitude can be summed up as "bidding goodbye to Versailles. We are ready to attend a new international peace, conference, but, unless Germany shows goodwill beforehand, what guarantee have we that a new basis of peace thus established would be permanent? "Unless Germany makes such a gesture, we cannot negotiate with her. The delicacy of the present situation cannot bo exaggerated. France may be likened to a frightened woman who, if treated roughly, may resort to hysterical acts but, if managed gently, can be led to reason. LOST POLITICAL SENSE The following comment appearing in the Journal des Debats is typical: "The British appear lost to all political sense. They tremble before Germany. They can think only of appeasing her devouring appetite, which, naturally, grows all the greater." The first ballot of the elections in France has been fixed for April 26 and the second for May 3. The Chamber assembles on June 1. A message from Brussels says that M. Jaspar, a former Prime Minister of Belgium and now Minister without portfolio, told the Chamber that there was no question of modifying the White Paper, from which nothing could be subtracted. If the decisions were now regarded only as a basis of negotiation, Belgium would be deeply disappointed. "THAT IS AN INSULT" "Our opponent.; say 'can we trust his proposals.' That is an insult," said Herr Hitler, speaking at Ludwigshafen in the remilitarised zone. "I make no secret treaties and no secret military alliances. Our love of peace must not be confused with servility. "They are not real statesmen who still insist upon such odious divisions as that of victor and vanquished. There is no superior or inferior nation in Europe. Those who insist on such a distinction should not talk about peace. "Europe cannot be saved unless she gives up her old mentality. If France now wants to send an international military force into some zone, we can only say we have passed that stage."