GERMAN REPLY TO ALLIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 23 July 1925, Page 7

GERMAN REPLY TO ALLIES.

Fears Risk of Disarmament

HINTS OP TREATIES WITH NEIGHBOURS.

By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

Received July 22, 11.15 p.m, LONDON, July 21.

The published text of the German Note, which confirms the earlier forecast, points out that the German suggestions do not represent a modification of existing treaties, although they do not mean the permanent exclusion of peacefully adapting existing treaties to future changed conditions. Regarding treaty provisions, concerning military occupation, the Note states that the Security Pact would represent an important innovation, which would be _ bound to react on the conditions of occupied territories.

On the question of occupation generally, the Note remarks that the presence of aliens would force upon Germany the necessity of concluding treaties of arbitration with neighbours, who are signatories to the Peace Treaty. Germany expresses doubts on this point, and asks for further elucidation in this regard, in view of the possibility that the question of deciding whether a disturbance of peace exists and the application of coercive measures, may be put in the hand of one of the contracting parties. Germany is willing to link up her membership with, the League with, these negotiations but until satisfaction is given concerning Article 16 of the Covenant, Germany unarmed would be exposed to unlimited danger and the involvement of armed conflicts with third countries.

POLITE BURIAL OF PACT. LONDON PRESS COMMENT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Keuter’s Telegrams. (Received July 22, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 21. Commenting on the German Note, the “Daily Express” says it is courteous in tone but decisive in effect. The Germans have given the Note a polite funeral. The decision delivers the British Empire from the peril which would have ruptured its political and diplomatic unity. Our young men will not now •be sent to die in some squabble in the Danzig corridor. Tim late Mr Bonar Law declared that “we cannot afford to police Europe.” Let u& hope we shall hear no more of the Pact. We can resume the task of developing the Empire, without dread of discord.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says British circles are reticent, but the general impression is favourable. Exception cannot be taken to the tone of the Note. It reflects tactfulness and finesse, which ore Latm rather than Teutonic.

OPINION IN FRANCE. FOREIGN MINISTER OPTIMISTIC. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. Reuter's Telegrams. (Received July 22, 10.30 p.m.) PARIS, July 21. The reply was favourably received at at Quni d’Orsay. So far as France m concerned, negotiations on the Pact will certainly begin, but it may be a fortnight before a reply can bo framed. M. Briand is optimistic about future negotiations. The Paris newspapers insist that the tone of the German Note is conciliatory.