GERMANY PERPLEXED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 243, 14 October 1938, Page 7

GERMANY PERPLEXED

BRITISH RE-ARMAMENT MUNICH PEACE BASIS ENDANGERED [By Telegraph—Prese Association—Copyright] Received Oct. 13, 10.30 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 13. Press comment in Berlin frowns on British re-armament. The Frankfurther Zeitung, as a typical example says: "It is Britain's own affair if she considers that the international sitution warrants re-armament, but another if the moment peace is signed in Europe her policy for re-armament is intensified. “France also is constructing a second and third Maginot Line. Such exaggerated efforts perplex Germany because they are accompanied by agitation intended to undermine the peace labours of Munich. Mr. Chamberlain’s work will lose value in our eyes if we are given the impression that it resulted from British weakness. We cannot be indifferent to the British and French re-armament wave.” HINTS FROM BERLIN DESIRE FOR DISARMAMENT REQUEST PUZZLING TO BRITAIN Received Oct. 13, 8.55 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 13. There are hints from Berlin that Germany would like to negotiate with Britain, France and Italy for a limitation of armaments. Reuters’ Berlin correspondent reports that the political circles are saying they are awaiting a response from Britain and France to the suggestions of limitations made recently by Herr Hitler. This is puzzling to London as the only reference recently has been Hitler’s Sports Palace speech, wherein he repeated his frequent reminder of efforts towards limitation.

TO SUPPLANT BRITAIN IN EUROPE GERMAN BRAINS POOLED GREAT ECONOMIC DRIVE. Received Oct. 13, 8.40 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 13. The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says the most competent economic brains are being pooled to ensure an efficient organisation of Germany’s economic drive in south-eastern Europe. All branches of industry are sending large staffs to the Balkans and Near East. Recruits are studying the Rumanian, Turkish and Greek languages and conditions. Preparations are being made for the establishment of warehouses in Iran, Albania and Afghanistan staffed with specially trained officials. The aim is to supplant the British firms wherever possible.