THE ANSWERS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 156, 13 June 1936, Page 6

THE ANSWERS

Mo German Reply To British Questionnaire.

EXPECTED SOON

Press Assocfatiort— Copyright. London. June 12 The German reply to the British questionnaire seeking elucidation of points in Germany’s memoranda following the occupation of the Rhineland is expected to reach London next week. It will probably suggest an oral discussion as the host melhod of negotiation. It is unlikely to commit Germany to acceptance of the present territorial arrangements in Europe. Genuine and lasting peace, it is held, j cannot be based on territorial arrange j ments forced upon Germany by the Versailles Treaty. Possibly, therefore, the reply will suggest plebiscites among tlr Germans of neighbouring lands. For the same general reason the question whether Germany has yet reached equality of rights is also likely to be an swered negatively. The Versailles Treaty it may be argued, is nominally based or self-determination, but that principle ha never yet been applied to the Germs people. Anything Herr Hitler may con trive to do in Austria might therefore bt represented as done in accordance with the principles on which the Versailles Peach was concluded.

The reply is expected to refer free!,' to the Franco-Soviet treaty, which Germany holds has revolutionised the Euro pean situation, making the general limi tation of armaments impossible at present. although it is argued that this i< no reason why a start should not br made with prohibition of the largest gunand tanks and the negotiation of a western air pact. The German Government is uncompromising in preferring to deal with each country or group of countries separately She has not the slightest desire to participate in a general congress of Powers In such a gathering she fears she migh’ find herself arguing her case single-hand-ed against countries which stand close by its successful prosecution. The reply will also probably indicate that Germany is in no hurry to rejoin the League of Nations.