HITLER ASKS FREE HAND

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 5

HITLER ASKS FREE HAND

Proposal f or N ew Locarno

CHANCE TO MOVE IN EAST

Little Prospect Of Agreement (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.35 p.m.) London, October 20. An unqualified proposal to bind Britain and France to neutrality while Germany reserves a free hand in the rest of Europe; that is the sum total of Germany's contribution to the proposed treaty to replace the Locarno Pact, says the diplomatic correspondent of The Morning Post. Germany’s condition for adherence to the Treaty of Locarno is that none of the signatories in any circumstances must ever move its troops against another, otherwise the ‘hreatened party should have a promise of immediate assistance from the remaining signatories. It is clear, on this basis, that there can be no agreement among the Western Powers. It is pointed out that if the German proposal were accepted it would mean that the other Western Powers would be forced to remain passive while Germany settled her differences with her eastern and southern neighbours. The Italian Foreign Minister (Count Galeazzo Ciano) has left for Berlin to consult Herr Hitler and the German Foreign Minister (Baron Konstantin von Neurath). He previously transmitted to the British Embassy a reply to the invitation to the five-Power conference. It is believed that the reply states Italy’s willingness to participate, but points out that Belgium’s decision to follow a neutral course has altered the situation, necessitating serious diplomatic preparation. BELGIAN ENVOY TO MEET MR EDEN FURTHER TALK ABOUT PROPOSED NEUTRALITY. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, October 19. The terms of King Leopold’s speech advocating neutrality for Belgium are still under consideration in London, and it is expected that the Belgian Ambassador will have a further interview with the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) on the subject early this week.