THE GERMAN NAVY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20694, 3 January 1939, Page 8

THE GERMAN NAVY

4.30 O’CLOCK EDITION

A DISQUIETING MOVE ESCALATOR RIGHTS TAKEN •SOME SENSATIONAL RUMOURS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 3, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 2 The Australian Associated Press says that in effect the reply that Admiral Raeder gave to Vice-Admiral Cunningham, leader of the British Admiralty representatives who went to Berlin on December 29, was Germany’s decision to exercise her escalation rights under the Naval Treaty, necessitated by Britain’s disinclination to relax her armament programme. It is 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. Notice of the naval escalation was conveyed to Britain on December 12, but the news was suppressed until after arrival of the mission in Berlin, to enable every endeavour to be made to dissuade Germany from renouncing the restrictions. The endeavours apparently failed. Nothing is known to support the reports that Germany is prepared to forego her claims for additional cruisers. On the contrary, it is understood that the informatio'n conveyed to the mission was more disquieting than the original announcement. Admiral Raeder stated that the development of the Russian Navy had ntt influenced Germany's decision. A Rush of Refugees The Australian Associated Press adds that the 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 will complete the annexation of Czechoslovakia early in the spring and march to Poland. POLAND AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA NO TRADE AGREEMENT EFFECT OF GERMAN INFLUENCE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 3. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 2 The Prague correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says a Polish trade delegation failed to negotiate an agreement with . Czechoslovakia and gained the impression that German influence prevented the Czechs from granting concessions. PRAGUE, Jan. 2 The Czechs, under Hungarian pressure, have withdrawn opposition to the use of the title of CarpathianUkraine for Ruthenia.