EUROPE’S POLICY IN NEW CRISIS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19624, 19 October 1933, Page 9

EUROPE’S POLICY IN NEW CRISIS

GERMANY AGAINST THE WORLD FIRM FRONT MAINTAINED AT GENEVA United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 18, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, October 18. Cabinet meets to-day to receive the full statement from Sir John Simon on disarmament, and discuss Britain's policy in the light of recent events. In the meantime it was plainly intimated last night that no announcement of the Government’s attitude can be expected until the position is fully examined. Cabinet has to decide its instructions to the British delegates for the resumed Conference on October 26. The meeting may be protracted and may possibly be adjourned. Britain’s Steadiness in Crisis. Although the gravity of Germany’s decision is generally recognised, it has not led to any demand for precipitate action. Newspapers approve the decision reached at Geneva yesterday, that after a brief adjournment, the Bureau and General Commission should meet again next week. At present there is no question of abandoning the work of the Disarmament Conference, and in a broadcast address from Geneva last night, Mr Arthur Henderson strongly urged that it was vital that the Conference should continue its work and produce a genuine convention. Return of Delegates. Sir John Simon and Captain R. A. Eden (Britain's delegates at Geneva) have reached London. Sir John Simon stated that it was on October 6 that the German Charge d’Affaires in London communicated to him Germany’s “observations” on the disarmament situation. A similar communication was made at the same time in Rome, but not to the French or United States Governments, whose representatives had taken part in earlier conversations. These “observations” seriously affected the situation, and immediately after hearing them. Sir John Simon communicated them to the French and Italian Ambassadors in London. Sir John Simon, on arriving at the Foreign Office, issued a statement that he would be sorry if there were differences on matter of fact with Baron von Neurath. “My fellow countrymen may rest assured that the suggested Inaccuracy is not on my side.” Britain's Great Effort. Brief reference was made to Germany's action by Mr Neville Chamberlain (Chancellor of the Exchequer) in a speech at Nottingham last night. He said: “The British Government made a great effort to restore that confidence to which nothing could have contributed more powerfully than the adoption of a Disarmament Convention, such as was proposed recently by the British Foreign Secretary at Geneva. We must, therefore, deeply regret the precipitate and illjudged action of the German Government, because the proposals made by Sir John Simon, which received general support not only from France, but also of the United States and Italy, were specifically designed to give Germany complete equality treatment within a reasonable period. The situation requires the calmest and most deliberate consideration, and all would do well to refrain from hasty comment and from alarmist speculation." Mr George Lansbury (Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition), in a speech, urged that the British Government should take the lead in demanding general disarmament. He said: “We who belong to the peace movement cannot for a moment consent to the rearmament of Germany. On this question there ought to be not the slightest division of opinion among any of us.' No Unanimity Against Germany. ' “The Times” endorses the adjournment of the Disarmament Conference as affording a breathing space. It says all governments other than Germany will be determined to handle the situation calmly, with a view to the maintenance of peace oy progressive substantial disarmament. The most hopeful feature is the world’s almost complete unanimity against Germany, which is the best guarantee of practical co-operation. The immediate problem is what collective action can convince Germany of the seriousness of her blunder. ITALIAN POSITION DEFINED. NOT UPHOLDING ANYONE. ROME, October 17. Signor Mussolini hotly contradicted a report that he is determined to uphold the German case. “I uphold neither Germany nor anyone else. The situation should be met by the united wisdom of all the Governments concerned." Germany, following Herr Hitler's veiled overture to M. Daladier, has now informed Italy of her readiness to continue the discussions outside Geneva, assumedly the continuation of the previous conversations. FRENCH ATTITUDE DEFINED. "CLEAR AND HONEST WILL TO PEACE." (Received October 18. 8.15 p.m.) PARIS, October 17. M. Daladier iPrime Minister of

France) says: France's clear and honest will to peace has won confidence and approval throughout the world.” "We are deaf to no word, and blind to no act,” said M. Daladier, briefly replying to Herr Hitler, on the opening of the Chamber of Deputies. “Why, if Germany wanted an understanding, did she cause a rupture? Why oppose control when ready to destroy everything to the last rifle and machine gun? Why not accept a loyal, sincere plan of progressive reduction of armaments?" He added that France intends to remain true, whatever happens the policy of collaboration, and examine in that spirit the situation which not only concerns France and Germany, but the world. Fiance's past moderation and sacrifices precluded bargaining for concessions. Tlie Government would continue to defend the great interests of France and peace.