GERMANY’S FIRM STAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 22 March 1926, Page 9

GERMANY’S FIRM STAND.

Attitude To League

Intrigue. DEFINITE GUARANTEE REQUIRED. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright Australian nnd N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 21, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, March 20. It is stated on the highest authority that Germany will not go to Geneva In September without a guarantee that there will be no repetition of this week's fiasco. PRESENT OUTLOOK IN EUROPE. AMBASSADOR’S REPORT CAUSES SURPRISE. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 21st, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 20. “British and European diplomatic circles are completely taken, aback by tlie action of the American Administration in publishing the report' of the Hon. A. B. Houghton, American Ambassador in London, on the present outlook in Europe,” says the “Daily Telegraph's” diplomatic correspondent. “It is an unusual step for a Government to disclose a confidential report of an Ambassador. I gather the assumption that Mr Houghton will not return to London, is erroneous.” '

The correspondent states he believes that Washington’s purpose is, first to prepare American public opinion for a return to former isolation; and, secondly, a hope that

the exposure will clear the air and deal a blow at the .revival of secret diplomacy and intrigue. The acutest controversy has also arisen here over American, claims against Britain, for violation of neutral rights in war time.

These are repudiated vigorously by “The Times,” "The Morning Post,” and other influential newspapers.

AMERICAN AMBASSADOR’S REPORT. , RESENTMENT IN EUROPE. By Cable-’-Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 21, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 21. “The Observer” says the Hon. A. B. Houghton’s frank report on the war spirit in 'Europe, is ■ causing considerable comment. It is thought quite likely it will lead to an important diplomatic -incident. The reverberation <?£ the report will continue in France, where feeling is extremely bitter. “The Sunday Times” learns authoritatively that no claims .. have been received, nor are any expected, by the Foreign Office, concerning the demands for compensation under the blockade. Well-informed circles consider it incredible that such claims should be made. In any event the British public could not stand for them.

FRENCH POLICY IN SYRIA. CRITICISM BY MANDATES COMMISSION. By Outlie—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. 1 LONDON, March 19. The Geneva correspondent of the “Times’*-, states that the report of tlio Permanent Mandates Commission regarding Syria, criticised Fnince’s earlier administration, drawing attention to the lack cf continuity of poliey owing to five changes of High Commissioners within six years. It attributes the revolt to General Snrrail’s heavy-handed rule, lack of .sympathy, and also defective monetary system, based on the parity of the Fran co-Syrian coinage. France informed the Commission that the policy was now directed to enable the population to exercise sovereign powers.

REVISION OF LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

OPPOSED BY BELGIUM. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. AUslrr lan «ml N.Z. Gable Assoc’.atloa BRUSSELS, .March 18. Speaking to •pressmen on his return from Geneva, M. Yandervelde, recalling M. Briami's remark about the revision of the constitution of the League pointed out that there were provisions in the Covenant which it would he difficult, if not impossible, to revise, lie contended that permanent seats should be bold by the Powers with general interests. If the idea of permanent seats for the lesser Powers were admitted, it would be impossible to know whore to stop. He declared that tin* result of the Geneva crisis was a check, not a catastrophe. The resignation-, of- Belgium was unthinkable. If tlic question of additional permanent scats on the Council came np ngaAii, hi' would give full weight lo Belgium's numerous claims for a permanent scat.