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REASONS FOR GERMAN NAVAL ACTIVITY

BRITISH ARMAMENT PACE LACK OF SYMPATHY FROM UNITED STATES (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Received Jan. 3, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 3. The Australian Associated Press says the effect of the reply Admiral Raeder, Chief of the German Naval Staff, gave Vice-Admiral J. D. Cunningham, leader of the British Admiralty representatives who went to Berlin concerning Germany’s decision to exercise her buildings rights under the Naval Treaty, was that the German decision to exercise the escalation rights under the treaty was necessitated by Britain’s disinclination to relax her armament programme. He also stated that the decision was influenced by the growing lack of sympathy in the United States for the German viewpoint, and by the alleged menacing nature of the United States’ huge armament plans. News Was Suppressed in Berlin At First. Notice of the naval escalation was conveyed to Britain on December 12. The news was suppressed in Berlin to await the arrival of the mission from Britain which was to endeavour to dissuade Germany from renouncing the restrictions. The endeavours apparently failed. Nothing is known in support of reports that Germany is prepared to forego her claims for additional cruisers. On the contrary, it Is understood that information conveyed to the mission was more disquieting than the original announcement. Admiral Raeder stated that the development of the Russian navy had not influenced the decision. Rush of Czech Refugees. The Australian Associated Press adds that disquiet resulting from the German naval move coincides with a fresh rush of refugees from Czechoslovakia. Recent applications for visas have been as numerous as during the panic immediately after the Munich agreement, due, it is stated, to stories widely circulated in Central Europe to the effect that Germany is completing the annexation of Czechoslovakia early in the spring, with a march to Poland. “NOT A SCRAP OF PAPER” GERMAN VIEW OF LONDON NAVAL TREATY NO ARMS RACE WITH BRITAIN. Received Jan. 3, 5.5 p.m. BERLIN, Jan. 2. The Governments reply to the points raised, between the British and German naval experts in Berlin will be dispatched in a tew days, says Marshal Goering’s newspaper National Zeitung. The newspaper adds that the treaty will undergo the extension provided for in the text, but will lose nothing of its value as the only pact in the world limiting armamen.s. British and German relations would benefit by the fact that Germany upholds the treaty and has no intention in the future of entering a new arms race for sea power with Britain. Germany’s voluntary limitation did not release her from the duty of watching the fleet construction of Soviet Russia and informing Britain of her view concerning it, for the treaty was not a scrap of paper ignorable at will, but an instrument for trustful, open discussion or all matters concerning mutual sea armaments. The article stresses that the treaty provides for a yearly exchange of information, and says that Germany cannot overlook the fact that Russia has now 160 submarines. Referring to the building of heavy cruisers, the article says: “The British delegation showed understanding and agreement,” and concludes: “It is regrettable that official circles in London have not contradicted attacks against the new proposals."

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19390104.2.55

Bibliographic details

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 7

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533

REASONS FOR GERMAN NAVAL ACTIVITY Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 7

REASONS FOR GERMAN NAVAL ACTIVITY Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 7