ARMAMENT PARLEV

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19065, 2 October 1933, Page 7

ARMAMENT PARLEV

GERMANY’S CLAIMS.

CLIMAX APPROACHING.

VITAL DECISIONS SOON.

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Sept. 30. Despatches from Geneva state that before the German Foreign Minister, Baron von Neurath, left for Berlin, he said to journalists:—“Germany will claim the right to erect and arm defensive fortifications on her eastern borders.” It is learned from other sources that Germany intends to insist upon the possession of scouting aeroplanes and anti-aircraft guns. The opinion is held that a crisis will come when Berlin’s counter-proposals are formally presented at Geneva. The Assembly’s debate is expected to cnclude on Monday after the Council elections. British circles anticipate a definite outcome of all the negotiations about the middle of next week. The local press asserts that Dr. Goebbels, German Minister of Propaganda, prior to returning to Berlin, had a long, secret talk with a member of the French delegation. However, it is recognised that Paris and Berlin are the centres where vital decisions will be made within a few days. In the meantime the disarmament conversations have been suspended to enable the German delegates to place the facts in their possession before their own Government. Sir John Simon and Captain Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary and Under-Secretary, will return to London on Monday.

LATER. GERMAN REPLY AWAITED. THE STONE OF STUMBLING. THE EQUALITY DEMAND. GERMANY WANTS “ SAMPLES.” (Omcial Wireless.) (Received Oct. 2, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 1. The disarmament conversations at Geneva, In which Sir John 'Simon again took a prominent part, were suspended last night on the departure of the German delegates for Berlin, where Baron Von Neurath will put his Government In slon of the latest facts of the discussion.

It is hoped the Germans will return to Geneva next week and the Importance which is attached to the reply they will bring is fully recognised In view of the fact that the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference Is due to meet the following week. The questions in dispute between the French and Germans have been narrowed down, but the divergences on those which remain are understood to be wide.

Geneva reports suggest that the principle of supervision of armaments as proposed by the French, if equally applied, is acceptable to Germany, but the interpretation of Germany’s claim to equal rights raises difficulties. The French view provided for limitation at the present level, with eventual reduction within a limited “period of all armaments, effectives, and military expenditure, after general permanent control had been set up, and, provided the trial period gave good results, and that there was some guarantee for security."

The Germans, on the other hand, are understood to claim that the principle of equality of rights entitles them to the possession of “samples” of all armaments, Including those forbidden to her by the Treaty of Versailles.