GERMAN IDEA OF NEUTRALITY

Evening Star, Issue 23376, 20 September 1939, Page 10

GERMAN IDEA OF NEUTRALITY

THREAT TO SCANDINAVIAN STATES WARNED “ NOT TO SUBMIT TO BRITAIN " (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. (Received September 20, at 11 a.m.) The Belgian Press has reproduced the following bulletin by the ‘ Deutsche Nachrichten Buro ’; — “ Great Britain is mistaken if she thinks Germany is disposed to allow her communications to neutral States to be cut by British guns. We must warn these States not to submit to Britain. This warning is specially addressed to the Oslo States, which met at Copenhagen on September IS. Germany desires to leave neutrals out- . side the present conflict. This desire must not, however, be considered as ■weakness, Germany not being disposed to allow the least deviation from neutrality, even if it is a question of yielding to force.” This will be seen to contain a direct threat to neutral States to force them to conform to Germany’s own ideas of neutral conduct. The British Government’s attitude toward the question of trade with neutrals has been made clear in the statement issued by the Ministry of Information on September 19. If that attitude has produced this violent reaction in Germany it is clearly because she notoriously depends to a large extent •on the Scandinavian States for war materials and wishes to force them to continue to supply her with these, though, in international law, no neutral State is under any obligation to supply anything to belligerents unless she feels so disposed. Such threats are the more remarkable •in view of the German Government’s declared intention to impose contraband control of its own on neutral shipping. TRADING NEEDS OF NEUTRALS BRITAIN WILLING TO CO-OPERATE LONDON, September 19. (Reoeived September 20, at 10.5 a.m.) A Ministry of Information communique states that Britain informed neutrals that she is ready to consider at all times their suggestions. Discussions are now proceeding in a most friendly manner, and Britain will continue every effort to take account of the trading needs of neutrals. STRICT NEUTRALITY , COPENHAGEN, September 19. (Reoeived September 20, at 1 p.ra.) The Scandinavian Ministers’ conference issued a communique confirming the intention of strict neutrality. GERMAN ALLEGATION PROVED UNTRUE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. (Received September 20, at 11 a.m.) A recent German communique asserted that the British Government had addressed Notes to neutral Governments, especially to those of the Oslo group, showing the determination of Britain to ride rough-shod over the latters’ vital interests and rights as neutrals. It alleged that the British Notes put forward a number of demands, and stated that non-compli-ance on the part of neutral, Governments would bo regarded as a breach of neutrality. These allegations are now categorically denied by the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish Governments, who issued a statement' that,, no such. Note had been received by any of, these Governments. HOLLAND'S POSITION CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH OTHER NEUTRALS V THE HAGUE, September 19. (Received September 20, at 11 a.m.) Queen Wilhelmina, in opening Parliament, stressed Holland’s friendly relations with all Powers and close cooperation with other neutral countries ' The Queen added: “The welcome accorded to the offices of myself and King Leopold of Belgium confirms my conviction that, despite disappointment, we may still hope for better international relations through peaceful deliberation.” BRITISH LABOUR LEADER RETURN TO PARLIAMENTARY DUTY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. (Received September 20, at 11 a.m.) Mr C. R. Attlee, who is resuming his parliamentary duties after a long absence through illness, and Mr Greenwood called at No. 10 Downing Street this afternoon. COMPULSORY TRAINING AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION CANBERRA, September 20. (Received September 20, at 1 p.m.) Mr Men zies, in the House of Representatives, replying to Mr Cameron, said the Government would introduce compulsory military training as soon as it became feasible.