SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 459, 17 June 1937, Page 5

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

ANGLO GERMAN AMITY VISIT OF VON NEURATH Western European Pact Discussions Press Association—Copyright. (Received 12.30 p.m.) London, June 16. One of the most significant developments of the International situation for a considerable time is Britain’s invitation to the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baron von Neurath, to visit London on June 23 as ithe official guest of the British Government. It is statedi that no negotiations are under contemplation, but that it is hoped his visit will offer the opportunity for an exchange of views on questions of common interest to the two counC.riea, and particularly on the Spanish problem. The fact that Ithe invitation occurs almost simultaneously with Mr Neville Chamberlain's assumption of office at Prime Minister is of considerable significance, especially as there is a growing tendency evident within the Cabinet towards better Anglo-German relations. Though the Foreign Office says no negotiations are occurring, and con-' tinuea to regard the situation frigidly, considering that there is no more chance of a Western European Pact now than heretofore, Britain's policy rs to seek a Western Pact as a prelude to a general European Statement. This, Inevitably, will be the outstanding problem discussed. It is about 18 months since the Germlan Foreign Minister ladt visited London, on the occasion of the funeral of King George V.. There has been no chance since then tor contacts between Baron von Neurath and the British Foreign Minister, Mr) AnHhony Eden, although both havej in the interval been in personal touch with the’ Nhihsters of other European Powers and visits have also beeiijjpajd.tg Paflsi by the; German Minister of Economy, Dr. H.. Schachlt.