VAGUE GERMAN REPLY

Southland Times, Issue 22510, 19 February 1935, Page 7

VAGUE GERMAN REPLY

ANGLO-FRENCH PROPOSALS.

SUGGESTED AIR CONVENTION.

(British Official Wireless.) Rugby, February 16. Although the conciliatory tone of the German reply to the communique of February 3 is fully recognized, the Press generally is critical of its substance which, in certain respects, is regarded as vague and lacking in precision.

It is emphasized in most newspapers that the projected air convention, to which the German Government devotes most attention, belongs essentially to the regional security system in Western Europe. While, for a general settlement, regional systems were considered in the Anglo-French conversations, they would be no less essential elsewhere than in Europe. In reference to the suggestion that the British Government should enter into a direct exchange of views with the German Government on the subject of an air convention, the newspapers point out that in any case there must first be consultation with the French Government which is provided for in the communique. These consultations will probably be conducted through ordinary diplomatic channels. RUSSIAN OPINION GERMANY’S MISTAKE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Moscow, February 17. Political circles express the opinion that the German reply will intensify Franco-Russian relations and may lead to the conclusion of an Eastern Pact without German participation. The Pravda sees the likelihood of the reply starting a hidden Anglo-French struggle, and adds that Germany is suffering from megalomania and seeks to create an impression that the world’s fate depends on her decision. She is greatly mistaken. The European peoples will find a means of otherwise guaranteeing their safety. DIRECT CONVERSATIONS BRITAIN AND GERMANY. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.10 p.m.) London, February 18. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph learns that the French Government will place no obstacle in the way of direct Anglo-German conversations on a pact of mutual assistance in the air as it is genuinely desirous of an all-round agreement with Germany.