ON BASIS OF EQUALITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 65, 17 March 1936, Page 7

ON BASIS OF EQUALITY

GERMAN REPLY TO POWERS PEACE PROPOSALS TO BE INCLUDED IN TALKS FRANCE CONSIDERS TERMS UNSATISFACTORY FLANDIN GAME TO LONDON TO RECORD VIOLATION 18/ Telesraih—Pres* Association —Gmyrigh'J Keeeived March 16. 9.15 p.m. LONDON, .March la. Herr Hitler’s reply to the League Council, signed by Baron von Neurath (German Foreign Minister) states that Germany is prepared, in principle, to accept, the invitation, and assumes that her representatives will participate on equal terms with the representatives of the Powers in the Council’s discussions. The decision adds: ‘ Germany must draw attention to the following- fundamental considerations, namely, that the German Government’s action which led to the summoning of the Council by France and Belgium does not consist merely in the restoration of German sovereignty in the Rhineland, but an assurance of peace in Europe. The German Government regards its political action as a whole, the component parts of which cannot be separated from one another. Therefore, Germany can participate in the Council proceedings only if she is assured that the Powers concerned are prepared to enter into negotiations forthwith regarding her proposals.” British circles, though amenable to Herr Hitler’s request for equal treatment, regard the reply generally as disappointing. However, the Council must decide at a secret meeting on March 16 whether Germany’s conditions are acceptable. The Times’ Berlin correspondent says that Herr Hitler and his colleagues are unanimous that they are not willing to sit at a Council table at which the exclusive subjects of discussion will be the guilt or otherwise of Germany regarding the violation of the Locarno and Versailles Treaties. The French Foreign Minister. M. Flandin, interviewed, formally refused to admit Herr Hitler’s proposals to discuss Locarno simultaneously with the peace suggestions, because he. M. Flandin, came to London to enable the violation of the Locarno Treaty to be recorded. ‘‘l will not agree to discuss anything else. I will, if necessary, leave London, and even the Council, ’ ’ he said. In Paris the opinion is generally expressed that the League’s future is at stake. Herr Hitler's reply has caused surprise because the conditions are regarded as tantamount to a refusal. France will not change her policy, considering that the Council s main discussions must be negotiations or no sanctions. The entire Cabinet supports M. Flandin’s statement. The Premier. M. Sarraut. received a telegram, from members of the General Municipal Council at Sidi Bel Abbes, headquarters of the foreign Legion in Algeria, assuring the Government, in the name of the Moslem population, of its inalienable attachment to France and its v.illingencss to defend the eorntry’s rights. Germany Could Block League Decision. 1 be Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent points out that ti e League Council’s decisions must be unanimous. therefore, it Germany's condition of equality is granted, she could block the Council’s decision by her own vote. He adds: “The reply is regarded in British ami .Ministerial circles as totally unacceptable ami mischievous and is an apparent attempt to drive a wedge between France and Britain. The Daily Telegraph s Berlin correspondent says that feeling is growing that Germany has not scored a walkover by her Rhineland policy, not only in official quarters but among the general public, chiefly through fear that the policy itself is driving Britain into Franco-Belgian arms, thereby encompassing Germany’s own encirclement. The feeling has been intensified since Poland came down emphatically on the side of collective security. Meat hile, Berlin life proceeds normally, though the Nazi leaders are in constant conclave regarding preparations to stand an economic siege or resist a military invasion, though the latter is not now seriously expected. Commenting on Herr Hitler’s reply, The Times, in a leader, says: “Then need be no difficulty over the first condition. The second is a rational interpretation of the League’s functions; it means that C niiany must be permitted to attend, not merely as an offender for sentence, but also as a partner in the deliberations to preclude future treaty-breaking by bringing all the European nations within the League as equals. The League is not a court of law but a political body existing to maintain peace by agreement. The League Powers must duly declare that there has been a flagrant breach of Locarno, but their larger responsibility is to restore and strengthen what is broken. Herr Hitler equirc the League to accept his incursion into the Rhineland as a norma! occurrence, but it would not be unreasonable if the Council, after condemning the oft’enee, should forthwith consider proposals in extenuation and us a guarantee against a recurrence.”

BRITISH PUBLIC PLACE AT ANY PRICE POPULACE PRO-GERMAN CABINET S DIFFICULTY LONDON, March 15. The Sun Herald Service says that al though every hour of the week since Herr Hitler remilitarised the Rhineland the Governments throughout Europe have displayed diplomatic activity not equalled since the war, there has not been a single development, either improving or making the situation worse. The meetings in London at least served to emphasise the importance of Britain’s position as mediator, prov ing more conclusively than ever that she. more than anyone, must decide whether the crisis will end in war or peace. Britain’s position is becoming more difficult daily. Public opinion passionately demands peace at any price. The populace remains proGerman, despite resentment at Hen Hitler’s violation of treaties, mainly because of the conviction that if Herr Hitler’s offer is ignored Germany will simultaneously be isolated and war will be inescapable. Cabinet realises that the public is stiongly against war, but Cabinet is not unanimnu*. The majority advocate the full exploration of the potti-

bilities of conciliating Herr Hitler; others insist on wholehearted co-opera-tion with France and Belgium. However, Cabinet’s dilemma has been relieved by the swing of the House of Commons opinion towards the fulfilment of obligations whatever Herr Hitler may do. GERMAN ECONOMIC CHIEFS BALANCE IN FAVOUR OF SCHACHT deceived March 16, 10.25 p.m. BERLIN, Mar-h 16. The Daily Telegiaph’s Berlin correspondent sa'vs that the differences be tween Dr. Schacht and Herr Keppkt Hiller’s personal economic head, have been brought to a head by the former s letter severing relations with fieri Keppler. It is generally felt that if it conies to a choice, Hitler will retain Dr. Schacht, who has the support of the army and is now stronger since the Khincland occupation.

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