A SENSATION

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20679, 14 December 1938, Page 8

A SENSATION

4.30 O’CLOCK EDITION

PREMIER'S SPEECH GERMANS NOT PRESENT OBJECTION TO STATEMENTS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14, 3.10 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 A sensation was caused by the last-minute refusal by the German Ambassador and German journalists to attend the Foreign Press Association Jubilee dinner, because they objected to Mr Chamberlain’s reference to the German press. The speech was Issued In advance and there was comment on the fact that diplomatic action was taken regarding It before Its delivery. The Journalists’ decision not to attend the dinner was conveyed to the committee forty-five minutes before the dinner. There was no message from the Embassy, but invited officials were absent. Very loud and long applause greeted the criticised passage. Mr Chamberlain slightly altered the text referring to Earl Baldwin, saying: “ I must deplore the recent attitude of the German press, which in one case did not scruple to pour vituperation against our most respected statesmen, himself only recently Prime Minister, and in few cases has it shown much desire to understand our viewpoint.” MUST BE FULFILLED BRITAIN’S OBLIGATIONS TO OWN PEOPLE AND ALLIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright) (Received Dec. 14, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 Mr Chamberlain, speaking in reference to armaments, said: “We have obligations not only to oar own people at home but to those throughout the Empire and to our allies who are bound to us by treaty. These obligations we must be ready to fulfil. Preparations are now proceeding far enough for us to say with confidence thal we are in a position to do so." FRANCE SATISFIED * ANGLO-FRENCH SOLIDARITY i GERMAN ACTION JUSTIFIED lUnTtcrJ Press Assn.— Elec. TeL Copyright) a .{Received Dec. 14, 3 p.m.) PARIS, Dec. 13 Official circles are most satisfied with Mr Chamberlain’s speech, which is regarded as a valuable and opportune reaffirmation of Anglo-French solidarity. BERLIN, Dec. 13 Official circles Justify German action In view of the “lack of understanding of the German press shown by Mr Chamberlain's speech.”