PRICE OF GERMAN FRIENDSHIP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20896, 27 November 1937, Page 17

PRICE OF GERMAN FRIENDSHIP

OUTLINE OF NAZI POLICY GROWING ALARM IN EUROPE REQUESTS FOR FRANK STATEMENT United Press Association—Bp Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 26, 9.10 p.m.) LONDON. November 26. "Lord Halifax’s visit to Berlin is still regarded as promising,” says the Berlin correspondent of "The Times.” “The first British German contacts,” he said, “have succeeded in giving the Impression of sympathy and fairness, without committing himself to approval or disapproval of German views, and it is hoped the friendly atmosphere that has been created will not be dissipated before the time comes to discuss concrete problems, on a more official basis. Official German commentators, however. are not unduly optimistic. They emphasise that the main consideration is that British and German relations must be removed from the Versailles basis, to one of complete equality of rights. Herr Hitler's declared policy is to obtain the restitution of German desires peacefully, but an attempt to keep Germany in a collective straitjacket, on the pretext that she cannot be trusted, can only, in the German view, provoke an explosion. It is realised that Britain cannot act regardleci of tire relations with France, but it is argued that it would be both simple and advantageous for Britain to come to an agreement with Germany, which would be compatible with British interests. It Britain acknowledged Germany’s right to her former colonies, she would not, it is stated, be harassed for their immediate return. Moreover, if Britain agreed that Germany should enjoy a privileged position in Central and South-eastern Europe, she could le certain of continental peace, and have a free hand to attend the interests of her Empire, which, as Germany sees it, is menaced at so many points.”

ALARM IN EUROPE STRONG OBJECTION TO SECRET TALKS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 27, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, November 26. "The Dairy Herald” says: “The British Foreign Office is trying without success to allay Intense alarm in Central and Eastern Europe and France resulting from the secrecy surrounding Herr Hitler’s talks with Lord Halifax. Every capital last night was seething with rumours none of which could be officially denied as no one outside the British Cabinet and several officials know what was said at Berchtesgaden. Ambassadors called on Mr Anthony Eden and Sir Robert Van Sittart (of the Foreign Office) hoping for some c.-umb of comfort. The only answer they got was "There’s no need for anxiety.” ANGLO-FRENCH FRONT IMPORTANCE OF IMPENDING CONVERSATIONS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 26, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON. November 26. The 'diplomatic correspondent of "The Dally Telegraph” understands that Lord Halifax will participate in the Anglo-French discussions and will give his impressions of Herr Hitler’s talks. The Spanish war will doubtless be mentioned in the London conversations, but rather as an example of Mediterranean security, than the hostilities themselves. Neither London nor Paris believes that the time for mediation has been reached. Consequently there is no desire to vary the procedure of the Non-Intervention Committee. More positive discussions may be directed to harmonising the policy regarding Shanghai.