BRITISH POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 67, 21 March 1938, Page 7

BRITISH POLICY

EUROPEAN SITUATION THE DOMINIONS’ PART NOT "CONSULTED” YET [By Telegraph Press Association Copyright] Received March 20, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, March 18. The Australian Associated Press Agency is authoritatively informed that the precise position of the Dominions at the moment in connection with the European situation, coupled with Britain’s policy arising therefrom is as follows: “The Dominions have been ‘informed’ of the facts as Downing Street sees them, but have not yet been 'consulted.’ Consequently occasion so far has not arisen for the Dominions to give their viewpoints to Britain.” It is clear from this that while Mr. Chamberlain’s policy is being shaped there is no indication that he contemplates any active obligation towards Central Europe, because under the Imperial Conference declarations there cannot be any step involving other members of the British Commonwealth without the definite assent of the Dominions. Unless a sudden change occurs in the European situation, Ministers will not re-assemble until March 23.

COOL REFLECTION CONCILIATION IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS Received March 20, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, March 20. Mr Malcolm MacDonald, speaking at the National Labour Conference, said: “I read in the newspapers that I and other impatient spirits are anxious to get rid of the Prime Minister. My reply to this statement is that Mr Chamberlain has sincerity, courage and wisdom in these affairs, worthy of the best traditions of British statesmanship.”

He added the responsibility for a cool reflection on foreign policy must not rest on the British Government alone. “We have taken into account not only Britain's view and sentiments but those of our fellow citizens overseas,” said Mr MacDonald. “I do not suggest that there is any divergency of views between them and us. They believe, as we balieve, in the method of conciliation and negotiation for resolving international troubles. We shall gain their sympathy rather than lost it if we test that method to the utmost.” QUESTIONS FOR PRIME MINISTER [ British Official VVirelea*.] Received March 19, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, March 19. In the House of Commons on Monday Mr. Chamberlain will be asked to make a statement on the progress of the Rome conversations and the negotiations among members of the NonIntervention Committee. Other questions will refer to Czechoslovakia and Spain. The Prime Minister Is expected to make a general statement on foreign policy some time next week.

THE AUSTRIAN COUP WHY IT WAS A SHOCK TO BRITAIN. '( British OJOcial Wireleaa.] Received March 19, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, March 19. “We are united in the determination that our country should be strong not merely to protect our own interests, but the strength of Britain is perhaps the greatest factor in the preservation of the peace of the world,” said the Air Minister, Viscount Swinton, speaking in the Midlands. What had happened in Austria had been a great shock to confidence in the world and was a serious deterrent to the promotion of the good relations which the Government continuously sought to achieve. “It is well that not only we in this country but that Germany should understand why what has happened has been such a shock to this country, which is only too anxious to be on good terms and have reasonable agreements and fair relations with that great country,” said Viscount Swinton. “It is not in the least a question of the merits of the union of Austria with Germany. Probably many people think that in itself was a reasonable arrangement. It was the way in which It happened that shocked, alarmed and male indignant not only Britain but probably every other country in Europe.” Sir Samuel Hore, speaking in the West Country, said that’the international situation was grave, but by no means hopeless. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. J. R. Attlee, attacked the Prime Minister’s policy and declared that the drift to war must be arrested. The forces on the side of peace and the rule of law were very powerful, but awaited a decisive word. The Liberal Leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, speaking in the country, emphatically denied that war was inevitable, but condemned "the drifting policy of the Prime Minister” and demanded a return to League policy.