UNOFFICIAL TALKS IN GERMANY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20892, 23 November 1937, Page 7

UNOFFICIAL TALKS IN GERMANY

LORD HALIFAX’S VISIT TO BERLIN

“SUCCEEDED IN OPENING DOOR”

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright BERLIN, November 21. Lord Halifax, who received British Press representatives at the British Embassy, said that his talks with Herr Hitler, General Goering and Baron von Neurath had been frank and very open in character, but were absolutely informal and confidential. Nothing could be said about them. He hoped that the door had been opened a little wider to better understanding and relations between the two countries He had been able to inform himself of the German viewpoint. No arrangements had been made for a continuation of conversations. That did not rest with him.

When asked to confirm the report that Baron von Neurath was going to London. Lord Halifax said that what would happen depended on further consultations between Berlin and London.

A London message reports that Lord Halifax plans to leave Berlin to-night. Yesterday, he attended a luncheon party given by General Goering at his beautiful hunting lodge, 25 miles from Berlin, at which the British Ambassador was also among those invited. Last night he attended a dinner at the British Embassy, when he met General von Blomberg, Dr. Schacht, Dr. Frick and Dr. Franck.

English and French reports that Baron von Neurath will visit London are described as pure speculations. It is said that there is no pressing necessity for such a Journey.

VALUABLE RESULTS ANTICIPATED CAUTIOUS GERMAN COMMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 22, 11.35 p.m.) LONDON, November 22. Lord Halifax will take the first opportunity of informing Cabinet of the purport of his talks with Herr Hitler and others, and will do so at its meeting next Wednesday, but it is expected he will see Mr Chamberlain and Mr Eden earlier, and the Prime Minister is likely to make a statement in the House of Commons.

The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says: “That the conversations have been useful goes without saying, but in the German view, the next move lies with Britain. Recalling the disappointment following the earlier visits of Sir John Simon and Mr Anthony Eden commentators refrain from raising the public hopes. Lord Halifax would only say: “If we succeeded in opening the door now, I hope we will not let it be closed again."

Lord Halifax added that his task had been to establish personal contacts with those responsible for the conduct of the policy of Germany. He hoped the result would be to smooth the course of British and German relations. He would depart with pleasant memories of the kindness and courtesy received everywhere, particularly from Herr Hitler, General Goering and Baron von Neurath.

JOURNALIST’S IMPRESSION OF VISIT GERMAN DEMAND FOR COLONIES United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph -Copyright (Received November 23, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, November 22. Mr Ward Price, writing in the “Daily Mail” from Berlin, says: “There is reason to believe that while the Chancellor on Friday kept mainly to questions of principle, General Goering on Saturday filled in the outline of the Fuhrer’s views, by stating the German aspirations in a more concrete form.” Mr Ward Price comments that highplaced Germans point out that the only Nazi aim directly Involving British interests is the recovery of colonies and there are good grounds tor supposing that General Goering gave Lord Halifax to understand that Germany regards herself as entitled to the return of all pre-war colonies. It is also revealed that an official German news agency circulated the report of Lord Halifax’s invitation to Baron von Neurath to go to London. Lord Halifax said he had no authority to issue an invitation. General Goebbels who did no,t attend the British Embassy dinner on Saturday night, owing to a public engagement, entertained Lord Halifax at tea yesterday afternoon.