LONDON PRESS OPINIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17569, 20 June 1925, Page 2

LONDON PRESS OPINIONS.

Aus. N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Juno 19. The French reply to Germany makes it clear that tho guaranteeing by the signatories cf the Versailles Treaty of tho arbitration of treaties beyond those affecting tho Rhineland “ will be -optional. Published correspondence shows that Mr Chamberlain on May 12 stressed the British Government’s position as being different from that of the Continental Powers. In view of the position of the British Empire with its world-wide responsibilities tho Government was bound to regard the question of participation in treaties outside the Rhineland from a different point of view to that of the other Powers whose interests lay mainly or exclusively in M Briand on June 4 replied:—“ We realise the fact that the constituent elements cf the British Empire are scattered throughout tho world leads his Majesty’s Government to linr* its undertakings on tho European Continent to those they consider essential, even when their interests are distinguishable from those of Continental Powers.” M. Briand further said: ‘‘ We fully understand that their refusal to bind themselves in advance, except concerning tho Rhineland* means only that the British Government, without disinteresting themselves in what might happen at other points, merely reserve .the liberty of examination of the decision.” Mr V. Chamberlain on June S informed M. Briand that the French Government was right in assuming that the Rhineland pact could not operate as a barrier to prevent France taking action in a case of violation between German and Poland, or be- ; tween Germany and Czeclio-S’ovakia. No surprise has been expressed at the text of the French reply, which fully confirms the Press forecast. The reply meets with a dfcutious, critical reception from the Press generally, but the e: Morning Post” in the most unqualified term approves of it and proceeds:— “ We hope the dominions will grasp the tact that the proposal, instead of nvolving the Empire in European entanglements, really relieves it from ♦hem. It is when Europe is restless that tho Empire must bo on its guard, but Europe at peace needs little watching, and this pact i 3 intended to give Europe peace." The “Morning Post” t Mi Llovd Ge< rg . in a des--1 at 11 j: of the

Cannes Conference, recalled how at the previous Imperial Conference dominion statesmen were prepared to come to the aid of France if again attacked by Germany, and says:—“Surely then they cannot refuse to support an agreement to which Germany herself is a The “Daily Telegraph” says:— ) “Whether the terms of the reply can be regarded as completely satisfactory from the British point of view is not quite clear- The possibility of a misunderstanding over the question of independent sanction is not removed, nor is the operation of arbitration treaties brought so completely within the League's sphere oi action as had been hoped. The obligation to go to war without recourse to the League would arise under certain circumstances.” The diplomatic correspondent of the “ Daily Herald ” fastens on to the sentence in M. Briand’s dispatch, in which he says: “We fully understand that their refusal to bind themselves in advance except concerning the Rhineland means only that the British Government, without disinteresting them- : selves in what might happen at other I points, merely reserve tbe liberty of examination of the decision.” This, the correspondent says, reveals there have been verbal explanations given to France in addition to those contained in the published correspondence. The “ Daily Express,” hypothetically, considers a case of possible conflict between Poland and German}', and states : that France would instantly claim the | right to move troops across Germany to I assist Poland. In a flash France and | Germany would be at war. The combat between French and German units on the western front would obvious!]/ mean the disappearance of the demilitarised zone. The German troops, in the course of the struggle, would cer- . tainly make such a movement west•wards as would constitute a breach of the Western pact, whereupon Britain j would be at war with Germany whe- i ther she willed it or not. The editorial j concludes: “This is an agreement to a ar pact 1 hi h the British nation j