BERLIN VISIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 67, 21 March 1935, Page 5

BERLIN VISIT

BRITISH MINISTERS NO FRENCH AUTHORITY JOINT PI AN CANCELLED TRIPARTITE CONSULTATION [By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) Received March 20, 9.47 p.m. LONDON, March 20. The Morning Post’s diplomatic correspondent understands that M. Corbin, the French Ambassador, in an interview with Sir John Simon, said that France regards Herr Hitler’s action as destroying the basis of the AngloFrench proposals of February 3. Consequently France could no longer consider Sir John Simon acting on behalf of the two countries, but must adopt her own measures. These would take the form of a strong protest to Berlin, followed by an immediate consultation of all the nations who considered themselves threatened by the German rearmament. It is understood that Sir John Simon later consulted Mr. MacDonald and members of the Cabinet regarding steps to appease the French suspicions. As a result, it has been suggested that Sir John should go to Paris en route for Berlin, in order to explain matters. It. is alternatively proposed that Mr. Anthony Eden, Lord Privy Seal, go to Paris or arrange a conference somewhere in France, at which Britain. France and Italy will consider the situation. According to the Telegraph s diplomatic correspondent, Cabinet does not consider the Berlin Visit a very hopeful enterprise, but it feels that it is the only course which can obviate a complete deadlock. The correspondent understands I that Sir John Simon and Mr. A. Eden will ask Herr Hitler to explain against what menace Germany’s new huge defensive force | is required, will seek a fuller ex-, planation -of his statement that i“the preservation of the honoui" land security of Germany will] henceforth be entrusted to the ; strength of the German nation alone,” and will inquire whether this is Germany’s final reply to appeal’s for co-operation in organising collective security. PROTESTS TO GERMANY FRANCO-ITALIAN DECISION (Times Cable) _ Received March 20, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, March 19The Times’ Paris correspondent says that the Government has invited Sir John Simon to visit Paris before going to Berlin, as France is anxious to maintain the closest touch with the situatloMeanwhile Franco-Italian discussions have resulted in an agreement regarding a separate protest being made to Germany, which it is expected will be vigorous. MAY BE VALUABLE PRESS COMMENT ON VISIT. [ British Official Wireless. J RUGBY, March 19. i Newspapers generally welcome the I decision of Sir J. Sinion and Mr. A. Eden to visit Berlin. The Times says: “In the new circumstances Sir J. Simon’s visit must more clearly than before be a mission of exploration on British account. It may none the less produce results of eventual value.” The Daily Telegrapn says: ‘-Ihe decision to proceed with the visit will convince opinion both here and abroad that the British Government continues to make every effort which may bring about that ' general settlement to which the Anglo-French communique looked forward. . If Baron von Neurath’s answer is accepted at its full face value, it would imply that I Germany’s violent week-end gesture I did not slam the door upon any agreed I limitation of armaments, but was I merely a forceful piece of advance ’ bidding which might display Germany’s maximum demands preparatory to next week’s friendly discussions, but if the proclamation to the German people is Herr Hitler’s final word to be repeated as such in the discussions, the successful outcome of the Berlin visit must be reckoned as a somewhat forlorn, hope.” The Daily Herald says: “The British Note is admirable in tone and temper, and it is all to the good that von Neurath’s answer is such. that Sir J. Simon can go to Berlin after the Note as before. The chief requisites for European peace remain the same for disarmament and security.” The Chronicle says: “To-day the importance of the visit is even more evident than it was when it was first announced. The German Government must convince Europe that its attitude to the system of collective security is one of co-operation and not ntagonism. ’ ’ LUDENDORFF AGREES A DIFFICULT QUESTION. BERLIN, March 19. Field-Marshal von Ludendorff, for the first time since his break with Herr Hitler after the unsuccessful 1923 putsch, wholeheartedly agrees with the Nazis and says that he warmly approves the general conscription law. Asked if he would accept supreme command of the new army if the Fatherland calls, the Field-Marshal replied: “I cannot answer at the present# moment.”