German Claim for Colonies

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 7

German Claim for Colonies

Note Likely to be Delivered This Month

AN AID TO TRADE. United Press Association —By Eleotrio Telegraph.—Copyright. BERLIN, Feb. 2. It is understood that Germany is presenting, at the end of February or early in March, a memorandum on her colonial demands to the “interested Powers,” presumably England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, France. Belgium and Japan. It will he a long document, setting out in great detail the economic arguments for the restoration of colonies and the interest of Germany in the recovery and expansion ox her world trade.

Germans are expecting Herr Hitler to secure the return of all tho German colonies. Official circles aro naturally reticent but argue that Herr Hitler has repudiated the lie that Germany was responsible for l&e Great War, therefore tuo seizure of his colonies by Britain, i the Dominions and others is ro b»jery

j Now that Germany is strong she do;mands the return of what rightfully belongs to her, and she is prepared to jviow the question, realistically. Her demands aro susceptible to concession jand adaptation, but hor claim to &U her iforraer colonies must form the ba/sis of negotiation. j Germany dooe not pursue Imperialistic 'aims. She considers that the problem of I the white race in Africa cannot be .solved permanently without Gorman no[operation. The refusal of the colonies, it is held., indicates that tho spirit of Versailles still exists and the Powers do not want peace in Europe.

i Berlin correspondents of London 'newspapers agree that Germany is showing a certain nervousness over the foreign reception of Herr Hitler ’* speech to assert her own views. I. "The Times" Berlin correspondent ' says: "It is dubious whether the speech jwill open the way to a conference as [Germany will have nothing to do with ‘collective security. She will not allow France any say in the fate of CzeclioSlovakia and is prepared to make only | bilateral agreements with individual [countries provided they accept tho GerI ,’man viow. Bolshevism is thug excluding from any collective guarantees in ! pastern Europe. , I • u Germany contends that it should bo | .sufficient for England and France to ' ,knsw that they have nothing to [fear from Germany without trying to [restrict German freedom in parts of ‘Europe not concerning them." Krupps and the German Dye Trust 'are among 6even firms arranging for ’the exploitation of constructional activities in Portuguese Angola. Tho •.contracts will stipulate that Portuguese (sovereignty bo in nowise .disturbed or l prejudiced. NO OFFICIAL NEWS. BRITAIN WOULD FIRST CONSULT DOMINIONS. LONDON ~~Feb. 3. Whitehall is unable to confirm re* ports that the German Ambassador, Herr Joaehin von Ribbentrop, is bringing to London on February 3 a Memorandum stating the case for the return of the German colonies. On the contrary, no further move is expected from Germany in the immediate future, though it is recognised that surprise is now an important tao» tic in German policy. The Dominions will be fully consulted in the event of German approach as it is recognised that they are vitally concerned in any decision. SWEDISH PRESS ATTACKED. STOCKHOLM, February 2. A German Minister bitterly attacked tho Swedish Press for printing news unfavourable to the Reich.