“NOTHING EITHER WAY”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21185, 4 November 1938, Page 9

“NOTHING EITHER WAY”

ATTITUDE TO BRITISH POLICY New Zealand’s Silence Noted Replies by Australia and South Africa United press Association—By Electee Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 3 During the course of the debate on the proposed ratification of the AngloItalian agreement the Prime Minister read messages from Mr J. A. Lyons and General Hertzog. Mr Lyons said that Australia was convinced that the Anglo-Italian Agreement should be brought into operation forthwith as a contribution to peace, and de jure recognition should be accorded to the Italian conquest of Abyssinia. General Hertzog said the step was both wise and necessary and would materially contribute to the appeasement of Europe. Mr Campbell Stephen (Independent Labour) asked if there was any message from New Zealand. Mr Chamberlain: No. There is nothing either way. Mr Stephen: Or Canada? Mr Chamberlain: No. The Prime Minister added that if the House approved the motion the prospects of peace would be generally im* proved. “Let us end any idea that w*e desire to keep any State at arm’s length," he said. Mr Arthur Greenwood (Labour) said his information was that the Abyssinian war was by no means over. Signor Mussolini could not be regarded as the effective master. The price of the agreement would be paid by the people of Spain. Helpless women and children might be bombed, British lives and shipping endangered, Great Britain trade route interests threatened, the integrity of the Empire endangered so long as Mr Chamberlain retained his friendship with a tottering dictator. “MUSSOLINI COULD BE TRUSTED” STATEMENT BY BRITISH MINISTER United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 3, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON, November 2. After many Labour speeches had been delivered in the House of Commons, denouncing the agreement, Mr R. A. Butler (Under-Secretary of Labour) said: “The information in possession of the Government showed that the word of Signor Mussolini could be trusted. Approximately half of the Italian infantry had been withdrawn.” “Provisions of the agreement relating to the near Middle East,” said Mr Butler, “would be particularly valuable at present to ensure the continued absence of propaganda. “The Government would continue its practical efforts for widening the area of world peace,” concluded the speaker. Violation of Agreement In the course of a statement, Mr Anthony Eder, said: An Englishman with exceptional opportunities viewing the course of operations in Spain told him “I believe in the end the Government will be beaten not by General Franco’s land forces, but by overwhelming air power.” The informant had added that it was not the bombing of Barcelona and Valencia that had the greatest effect, but th- daylong and nightlong bombardment of the lines of communlcaticn, with the result that troops could not get rest, food and sleep. Mr Eder said: “These planes are Italian and German and are operating in direct violation of the non-interven-tion agreement.” LIKELY EXCHANGE OF VISITS MR CHAMBERLAIN'S PEACE CAMPAIGN WILL GENERAL GOERING VISIT ENGLAND? United Press Association —By Elect nr Telegraph -Copyright LONDON, November 2 The “Star” reports that the British Ambassador (Sir Nevile Henderson) will return to Berlin with instructions to follow up the Munich agreement and prepare the way for Mr Chamberlain to again visit Herr Hitler, probably before Christmas, as a preliminary to a Four Power conference directed towards peace by way of disarmament. The colonial problem will be reserved for the later general settlement. WILL NAZI LEADER VISIT ENGLAND? FEARS OF UNPLEASANT INCIDENTS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 3, 5.5 pan.) LONDON, November 3. “The Daily Herald” says: General Goering is likely to visit England shortly for the resumption of Anglo-Ger-man conversations. Both Governments are anxious for further contacts. The Germans realise the possibility of unpleasant incidents if General Goering came to London for conversations at Downing Street, consequently a visit to Lord Halifax at Yorkshire in return for Lord Halifax’s visit to Germany last year is suggested. VISIT TQ LONDON CONCERN IN LATVIA British Official Wire les. (Received November 3, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, November 2. Mr Musters (Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs) will arrive in London on December 5 on an official visit as a guest of the Government.