FOREIGN POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1938, Page 9

FOREIGN POLICY

REPORTS ABOUT BRITAIN

FASCIST POWERS

ULTERIOR MOTIVES

(Duitcd Pross Association—By EJactric Telegraph—Copyright.) ! LONDON, January 26. i- "There is no foundation u|jhutever for reports and rumours thitt Britain is on the eve of making aflvances to Germany," declares the diplomatic correspondent of the "Manchester Guardian." ' '

"Some of these reports are undoubtedly of German origiii, with the aim of raising German credit, in which they are sometimes /successful, as is seen from the movement of the money market. , They are also designed to weaken the growing movement towards ,political .and economic collaboration of the smaller eastern . and middle European Powers. ,

"Pressure in favour of waiving Britain's indirect interests in Central and East Europe.is both strong ?nd persistent. Lord Halifax's visit to Berlin and Sir Robert Vansittart's .changed status are both* consequences of this, but,so. far British foreign poliay is unchanged. '■-~■'

"Similarly, there is.no fundamental change in/ Britain's attitude- towards Abyssinia. The Government.jis reluctant to take the initiative in,'recognising Italy's conquest, as it wottld be represented throughout the Ejast as a great Italian victory over Bjritain.

"Reports that Britain . .considers League reform urgent are ali;o mostly traceable to Italian ' and German sources. The Government considers it inopportune to raise the issue at the moment. The present structure is good enough for practical purposesi but Italy and Germany have an interest in. representing .Britain as dissatisfied, as part of their campaign to; draw the small Powers from the League.

"Other reports of impending British t overtures towards Italjy' have ' a better foundation, as the, Government desires better relations, .btr.t no advance will be made until Italy gives evidence that talks will givte promise of some concrete results amd advanr tages to Britain." .'