NO OPENING SEEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1939, Page 5

NO OPENING SEEN

BELGIAN-DUTCH PEACE BRITISH & OTHER COMMENT. HITLER “CLOSELY STUDYING APPEAL.” (British Official Wireless.) LONDON. November 8. Officials here yesterday declined to comment on the offer by the Netherlands and Belgian rulers of their good offices. In the absence of an authoritative lead, diplomatic observers limited themselves to recalling that the attitudes of the British and French Governments have been already made very clear in the speeches of Mr Chamberlain and M Daladier. who have indicated the views of the two Governments as to the origin of the present conflict and as to the conditions under which, in their estimation, a just-and enduring settlement could be secured. “The Times,” in a leading article referring to the tentative peace offer, says: “Britain and Frances minimum terms are. as Mr Chamberlain statedto redeem Europe from the perpetual fear of German aggression and to enable its peoples to preserve their independence. This declaration cannot be compromised.” The “Daily Mail” declares: “We can accept no promises from the present German regime. Acts must be foithcoming before we cease to wage war. The Berlin correspondent of the British Associated Press states that officials assert that the German reaction will not be known' till “the highest source” has spoken. Meanwhile, HenHitler is closely studying the appeal. An authorised source states: "When Queen Wilhelmina previously offered her services we warmly supported her. Our desire for peace is unchanged. We are victims, not the aggressors.

In general. British Press comment expresses the opinion that there is little hope of a successful outcome of the peace suggestions, but full appreciation is accorded to the high motives which inspired them, a radio message states. It is made clear that there can be no peace terms which fall short of those already outlined by the Allies. The French and Italian Press take much the same attitude. In America there is scepticism as to the outcome of the peace offer.