GERMAN CONSCRIPTION

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 March 1935, Page 5

GERMAN CONSCRIPTION

FRENCH PROTEST AN HISTORIC SPEECH. t?» Press Association Electrio Telegraph—CoPFiigbt LONDON, Thursday. The speech made in the French Senate by M. Flandin, Premier, on the subject of the French protest against conscription in Germany is regarded as historic and was certainly characterised by fearless frankness.

He traversed Herr Hitler’s declaration point by point and said that Fran-co-German reconciliation could not be based on a travesty of truth and a negation of law and justice. It was untrue that German people laid down arms after the war, which they had not wanted. The world’s judgment on the responsibility for unchaining war had: been given long ago, while if the German people laid down arms it was because a coalition of nations fighting for the right was victorious as they would be victorious in the future. These passages were .received with loud cheers.

Declaring it was untrue that Germany had fulfilled her obligations under the treaty M. Flandin declared that modifications of treaties were possible but only within the framework of legality. “France hates war. All measures for the maintenance of peace will be taken,” he said. “The Government will not cease its efforts to group round itself a powerful bloc of States which have preserved the same ideals as ourselves. Let us retemper and recreate the national soul and reestablish unity. Do not doubt that France has near her a whole train of nations who will join her in her hour of danger.” DESIRE TO RETURN TO LEAGUE. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, Thursday. With reference to Germany’s reported desire to resume her place in the League of Nations, the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says that the idea that a country can with•draw from the League, violate its obligations, and then resume its place as though nothing has happened is nowhere held admissible, Herr Hitler will certainly bo advised that if Germany sincerely desires to co-operate in the work of the League she should first show willingness to negotiate for a on the basis of the London declaration.

“The Times” says it is agreed that the general object of European policy is to bring Germany back to the League, but nothing could better be calculated to prevent her return than to indict her before the League Council. Moreover, the Council can do no more than declare what everybody knows—that Germany has violated the Treaty of Versailles. The real question is whether Germany, in the last 15 years, has had a square deal and whether the treaty itself is in all respects a fair one. That question cannot be answered in any arbitration court in the world. _ The only result of arraigning Germany must be to give the League in German eyes ’the appearance more than ever of an/'-anti-German association and render more difficult an eventual approach to it by Herr Hitler. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that Italy, it is officially stated, “sees no reason for opposing the French appeal to the League or the French Note to Berlin,” but it is not yet known whether Italy will also send a Note of protest. V GERMANY ’ S RESPONSIBILITY. ’ ’ FOR WORLD UNREST. (Received Friday, 9.55 a.m.) PARIS, Thursday. The French Note to Germany says: “Germany, after accepting an invitation to discuss the Franeo-British proposals, deliberately compromised the possibility of successful negotiation. France places on Germany tlie responsibility for world unrest and the possible consequence thereof.” ITALIAN NOTE. STRONG PROTEST. (Received Friday, 9.55 a.m.) ROME, Thursday. An Italian Note strongly protests against German revocation of the Treaty of Versailles. It adds that the Gov-' ernment maintains the utmost reserve’ regarding Germany’s decision and the probable developments thereof. FRENCH AND ITALIAN NOTES. GERMAN REBUFF. (Received Fridav, 9.55 a.m.) BERLIN, Thursday. Baron Von Neurath notified the French Ambassador that Germany rejected the explanation accomnanying the French Note because “It did not take into account the actual position.” Baron Von Neurath similarly rejected the explanation with the Italian Note. LEAGUE MEETING DESIRED. FRENCH REQUEST. (Received Friday, 9.55 a.m.) GENEVA, Thursday. A French Note to the League of Nations requests the calling of a Council meeting, to discuss Germany’s conscription and air force decisions, which the Note states, deliberately repudiate Germany’s obligations. It points out that Germany remains a member of the League until 21st October, when her two years’ notice of withdrawal expires.

A meeting probably will be conven ed early in April.