GERMANY’S STAND

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1933, Page 5

GERMANY’S STAND

ON ARMS QUESTION

UNFAVOURABLE & UNASSURING.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY,. October 9

The disarmament problem, this week enters upon an important, perhaps, a critical, phase. The substance of the German observations is generally known, and it is difficult to find any quarter outside Germany itself, where they have created an impression in any degree favourable or reassuring.

In Britain, those who in the past have been most sympathic towards Germany, are now most critical of the line adopted in their observations, which are described as “unresponsive” and a step “backwards.” The latest phases of the disarmannynent problem were closely examined by the British Cabinet. The delicacy of the situation is fully recognised here, for fliei question which awaits decision, is no longer technical or departmental .but political, and is one of the general European importance. The basis agreement among the five great powers at last December’s discussions at Geneva, was the acceptance of the principle of equality, within the regime of security, aud the acceptance of, that, formula implied very consider able concessions on the part of both France and Germany, But what has happened since in Germany has greatly increased the alarm in France, on the ground that security and the prospect of reconciling the FrenchGerman demands presents serious difficulties.

The fluidity of the situation offers some hope of success and it is felt there are grounds for exploration. In fact, the British draft convention has been accepted, not only as a 'basis of discussion, but a framework within which, disarmament decisions are to be fitted. The German delegate at Geneva, Herr Nadblny, bad expressed the hope that the Conference would resume the second reading of the British draft convention. The British delegate, Captain Eden, undertook to preface the drafts on the points of the proposed convention, on ,which the delegates had already agreed.

BRITAIN DEMANDS FINALITY

RESPONSIBILITY,, WITH GERMANY

LONDON, October 10

If is understood that the British Government ■is firmly of the opinion that the Disarmament Conference must 'evolve a convention on the basis of the British draff leaving nnon Germany the responsibility either ©• appending or of refusing its signature. It is recognised, however, that there are difficulties in bringing the other cowers »to ,the same viewpoint The Cabinet has decided against any j tea sure of German re-armament. The British Ministers hold that there must be no further meaningless delays, nor must the .issue be shirked by an adjournment. When Mr A. Henderson told' tho Disarmament Bureau that there was no longer any need for’ technical discussions, but that what are required are political discussions, lie gave the British Cabinet’s viewpoint. The “Daily Express” says the Cabinet is determined to end the Disarmament Confenence eiher with, c - without, something to show for its <t'.vo years’' work.

“The Times” Geneva correspondent states: The thankless task of mediation would he easier if Germany t ; d not speak with two voices. Herr 1 itler pleads peace with the tongue of an angel, while there is every manifestation of aggressive intentions. The s tuation, however, is not desperate. 7 verytlnng depends on the FrancoIritish decision. There is a general rec gnition that nobody can get the convention they want.