THE MAIN POINT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 110, 11 May 1936, Page 7

THE MAIN POINT

QUERIES TO GERMANY RESPECT FOR STATUS QUO I OTHER MATTERS LATER L British Official Wireless. ] RUGBY, May 8. Ihe questions directed to the elucidation of certain points in the German peace plan memorandum of March 31 which have been addressed by the British Government to Germany" are contained in a dispatch to the British Ambassador, Sir Eric Phipps, which was published in London and Berlin to-day. The dispatch emphasises the desirability of the greatest possible precision before general negotiations open, in order that in future no misunderstandings may cloud the confident co-opera tion of the Powers of Europe which it is hoped the proposed negotiations mav advance. Question for Hitler In the course of the communication, which was handed yesterday to the German Foreign Minister, who will discuss it with Herr Hitler within the next few days, it is stated that the question is really whether Germany new considers that a point has been reached at which she can signify that ->he recognises and intends to respect the existing territorial and political s l atus of Europe except in so far as this might b? subsequently modified by free negotiation and agreement. Although elucidation is sought regarding many of the paragraphs in the German memorandum, it is pointed out that the questions are not exhaustive. There are othe.” matters which will have to be raised at a later date, and before the return of Germany to the League of Nations comes under discussion the German Government will no doubt think it desirable to give some definition of the phrase “separation of the Covenant of the League of Nations from its basis in the Treaty of Versailles setting,” used in its memorandum. At the moment, however. His Majesty's Government prefers only to deal with points the elucidation of which is essential prior to the opening of general negotiations, which, as stated above, it. is sincerely desirous of promoting.

• GERMAN REACTION ADMISSION OF FAIRNESS FAVOURABLE IMPRESSION IN FRANCE Received May Id, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, May 9. The Berlin correspondent of the Timies s>ays that the first reaction to the British Note is an admission of its fairness ami a recognition uji the uncongenial task that has been courteously imposed. Nazi organs criticise the Note as typical of the diplomacy which Herr Hitler already has condemned, while more responsible circles are irritated by the reversal uf the British decision not to publish the Note, which now has been given to the world before it has been conveyed to Hitler. The Ikiris correspondent of the Times says that the Note has favourably impressed official circles, although it is not considered an ideal document. From the French viewpoint it would be more direct and cover wider scope if it covered M. Elandin's questions. The omission of mention of colonies ba<s caused the sardonic suggestion that Britain is in no hurry to put the question involving a direct British eon'-ession.