GERMAN FOREIGN POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19455, 20 December 1934, Page 8

GERMAN FOREIGN POLICY

« The recent rumour of a ten-year pact whereby Nazi Germany would solemnly promise to hold aloof from Austrian internal politics seems to be based upon the German-Polish relationship,” states the London -Daily Telegraph. “Early in June, during his famous Venice visit, it was assumed that Herr Hitler discussed in the strictest privacy the Austrian problem with Signor Mussolini. But the Nazi ‘ dynamite policy ’ in Austria did not stop, but rather in- N creased in violence reaching its climax on July 2fi with the Dollfuss murder..

“A re-orientation in German politics has taken place since then, and it is obvious that the Anschluss is to be pushed into the background until it can. be gained either by superior force or by cunning diplomacy. Germany has a greater problem to face, how to win approval from the great Powers of her desire for rearmament. Nazi Germany’s efforts to resume good relations with Fascist Italy are not concerned primarily with the Austrian problem at all, but are aimed at winning Signor Mussolini back as a champion of Germany’s right to re-arm.

“It is now over.a year since Nazi Germany left the League of Nations so dramatically in order to register her protest against her inferiority amongst armed nations. The recent military measures taken by both Poland and Italy have made it imperative that Germany should obtain her demand for “ equality of armaments ” as soon as possible. Having gained that point, with the aid of the Duce it is hoped, Germany can then enter the European race for armaments.

« Thus Germany’s gesture of reconciliation towards Rome is being taken because Germany is fighting first and foremost for the right to re-arm. Early this year, during the protracted armaments discussions, Italy expressed herself as being on Germany’s side in this matter. Of course, Herr Hitler’s gesture towards Signor Mussolini is also part and parcel of Nazi Germany’s anti-French policy, which never wavers, despite conciliatory speeches and interviews made by Nazi leaders from time to time. But its anti-French nature is only secondary. 1 Herr von Hassell is expected to thrash out thoroughly the Austrian question and armament question with Signor Mussolini before M. Barthou pays his promised' visit to Rome early next month.

“Having achieved some success in the realm of Polish-French relations, Horr Hitler now hopes to prevent an* Italian-French agreement, which would,’ of course, be a bitter blow to Nazi Germany. The most important question is, can Germany offer Italy more concessions than France? This is doubtful, owing to Germany’s critical financial situation.”