FURTHER DISCUSSIONS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 5

FURTHER DISCUSSIONS

BRITAIN AND GERMANY EXPECTATIONS IN BERLIN LONDON, April 20. It is authoritatively suggested that the German Government expects a resumption of the talks initiated when Viscount Halifax recently visited Berlin. The points for discussion are fewer than those between Britain and Italy, but are not less important. It is pointed out that the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, whose political position has been strengthed by the pact with Italy, firmly believes that the key to European problems lies in "appeasement." People are beginning to wonder what is meant by "appeasement," but at the moment it is the magic word. One of the wittier critics has said that appeasement means putting Italy into Abyssinia without putting her out of Spain.

Meanwhile Germany most strongly maintains her eventual claim to colonies, but it is felt that, for special reasons of bargaining, she would be prepared not to press the matter immediately.

It is expected that Mr. Chamberlain will disregard objections arising from Herr Hitler's conquest of Austria, as he over-rode opposition to the Italian talks based on similar considerations.

Germany insists that no European co-operation can be expected for the League of Nations while the Soviet is a member.

Berlin also holds that the FrancoSoviet Pact seriously hinders an agreement between the four Western Powers.

If Berlin has its way, Czechoslovakia will have to satisfy a demand that the 3,000,000 Bohemian Germans shall come under the rule of the Reich.

The ending of the Czecho-Soviet Pact will be demanded, and also the virtual disarmament of Czechoslovakia. This would make the Czech nation of 15,000,000 a second Switzerland.