NATIONS’ PROTEST

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1935, Page 5

NATIONS’ PROTEST

GERMAN CONSCRIPTION FRENCH DISAPPOINTMENT SIR JOHN SIMON’S VISIT FIRST TO CALL AT PARIS By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10 p.m. London, March 19. The French Government has invited Sir John Simon to visit Paris before going to Berlin, as it is anxious to maintain the closest touch with the situation, says the Paris correspondent of the Times. , Meanwhile Franco-Italian discussions have resulted in an agreement regarding separate protasis being made to Germany against the conscription decision. The protest is expected to be vigorous. The Morning Rost’s diplomatic correspondent understands that M. C. Corbin, French Ambassador at London, in an interview with Sir John. Simon, said France regarded Herr Hitler's action as destroying the basis of the AngloFrench proposals on March 2; consequently France could no longer consider Sir John Simon was acting on behalf of the two countries, but France must adopt Its own measures. These would take the form of a strong protest to Berlin, followed by a request for an immediate consultation of all nations who considered themselves threatened by German rearmament. It is understood Sir John Simon later consulted with Mr. Ramsay McDonald and members of the Cabinet regarding steps to appease French suspicions. As a result it has been suggested that Sir John Simon should go to Paris en route for Berlin in order to explain matters. Alternatively it is proposed that Mr. R. A. Eden, should go to Paris or at a conference somewhere in France at which Britain, France and Italy should consider the situation.

A Tokio cable says the Japanese Government and Press are very calm regarding the German military developments. The Foreign Office at present characterises it as purely a European affair. The Bulgarian Government is spending £4,009,000 in armaments and is placing a substantial order with the British and Rumanian Vickers works. The Press states that Rumania must prepare .for the possibility of an enemy attack. It will not tolerate any country fbllov/ing the German example in connection with conscription. Mr. J. Maxton, M.P., presided at a meeting of the British Independent Labour Party executive, v/hich issued e manifesto declaring that Germany's reintroduction of conscription revealed that capitalism was remorselesslsy driving towards war. Britain and "the victorious Allies had also repudiated the Versailles Treaty by increasing their armament®. If war closely threatened, the workers' answer should be a general .strike.