GERMANY TURNS TO THE EAST.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 28 April 1926, Page 9

GERMANY TURNS TO THE EAST.

Agreement With Russia.

FRENCH GREATLY SHOCKED. By Cable —Tress Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, April 20. The Runs correspondent of the “Times” says that comment upon the Russo-Germim Treaty is restrained, in the absence of the text, but the Treaty ’has undoubtedly shocked France. It is regarded as a definite step aiming at freedom from Western control established under the Peace Treaties. It is considered that Germany has cleverly taken advantage of the Central position in order to become a pivotal European State. Especial misgiving exists regarding the reported condition that Russia and. Germany have agreed to consult upon their action whenever the international situation affects tl.ew common interests, ' The Berlin correspondent of tin. “Times” says if Soviet; llussia was showing the smallest sympatbj °- wards the League of Nations the Treaty would not be- regarded most seriously, but the general impression is that Germany hencetorwnrd will bo allied not only to a non-Lcague but to an anti-League Power.

TERMS OF TREATY. SOME SIGNIFICANT OBLIGATIONS By Cable—Press ' Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 26, S p.m.) . BERLIN, April 26. The text of the Russo-German Treaty has been issued. It consists of four Articles and begins by stating that both will do everything towards maintaining peace, and are convinced that the interests of the Russo-German peoples necessitate intimate co-operation. The articles provide: (1) That the basis of the relations of the two-Governments remains according to the Treaty of Rapollo, and they will remain in fneniuy touch in order that each may have an understanding on political and economic questions. . (2) Should one of the signatories, despite its peaceful attitude lie attacked by a third Power, or several Powers, then the other signatory shall remain neutral throughout the entire conflict. (3) If a coalition of three Powers is formed,-with the object of imposing economic or financial boycott against' one of the signatories, the other will not joih the coalition. (4) During the last five years before the expiry of the Treaty, both oi the parties will keep each othei informed In regard to further orientation in' their political relations. In a covering letter to Mr Krestinslty (Soviet Ambassador), Dr. Stresemami emphasises that the Germans’ entry into the League of Nations cannot be an obstacle to the development of friendly Russo-Ger-man relations. The German Government ' is determined to assist in making the idea of the peaceful settlement of international disputes, a reality. The principles of the German policy towards the Soviet cannot be influenced by Germany’s loyal adherence to the obligations

ensuring its entry in the League, concerning articles 16 and 17 o£ the covenant o£ the League, on the question o£ sanctions, which are applicable to Russia only. In the event oI Russia warring against another country, the question o£ whether Russia is the attacker, can be decided only with Germany’s full agreement, so that the accusaLions of other countries will not be binding for Germany, if Germany is not convinced of their justification. RECEPTION IN LONDON. EXPLANATION REQUIRED OF ’ GERMANY. 'By Cable—Praia Association —Copyright. Australian anil N.Z. Cabin Association. (Received April 27, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 2G. The Russo-German Treaty has generally taken a back page owing to the Budget.

There is little comment. “The Morning Post,” however, says it may well cause perturbation in certain European circles, and is likely to demonstrate, the powerlessness of the League as a check against war. Germany hopes to become a member of the League, and must therefore subscribe to the covenant. Clauses 16 and 17 of the Treaty provide that all members are bound to support each other in cases of aggression, whether by a member or non-member State, yet Germany by the neutrality clause in the new Treaty, has pledged herself in advance to take no action against Russia. f urther under “procedure,” the unanimous vote of the Council is necessary before action is taken. Germany is now bound to veto any action against Russia. It is significant that this neutrality clause was included, after a demonstration at Geneva of the anxiety of certain members of the League to a change of a unanimity vote into a simple or two-thirds majority. Sir Austen Chamberlain, in a speech' at the Anglo-British Society’s luncheon, said: “We are somewhat disturbed and agitated by the diplomatic negotiations going on in other quarters, but I think it a great mistake to regard them jealously and suspiciously, provided they assure peace between the parties, and are not directed to forming hostile alliances, and are not incompatible with the obligations, many of us, and I hope all of us soon, will have under the League.