SURPRISE IN LONDON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1939, Page 5

SURPRISE IN LONDON

SHARED BY OTHER CAPITALS. HIGH AND HUMANE MOTIVES APPRECIATED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.33 a.m.) RUGBY, November 8. The . peace appeal offered by Queen Wilhelmina and King Leopold took London by surprise, which appears to have been shared by other capitals. The high and humane motives which prompted their action are fully appreciated here and, coming from such a quarter, the proposals are assured of careful consideration. The appeal was discussed between the King and the statesmen present. It will be under examination by Ministers today.

BRITAIN TO REPLY AFTER CONSULTING FRANCE. (Received This Day. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, November 8. Mr Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, replying to Mr Attlee, said the Government was carefully considering the communication from King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina. He added: “I am not in a position to make a statement on it today.” (Cries of '“hear hear”). Cabinet this morning considered the appeal and is consulting France before replying.

DENIAL OF THREATS ASSURANCE IN HOLLAND. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) THE HAGUE, November 8. Well-informed quarters give an assurance that no nation has in any way recently threatened Holland.

FULL PUBLICITY GIVEN IN GERMANY TO APPEAL. (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) LONDON, November 8. Berlin messages state that the German newspapers print the peace appeal in full. Wireless stations also broadcast it.

NEW GERMAN TONE ATTACKS ON NEUTRALS DROPPED. TALK OF FRIENDLY RESPONSE TO APPEAL. AMSTERDAM, November 8. Herr Hitler is expected to discuss the Belgo-Dutch peace appeal with his Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, today, states an Amsterdam message. Meanwhile official German circles decline to comment, but it is hinted the appeal will meet with a friendly response. It is significant that the Nazi Press attacks on neutrals which opened yesterday have abruptly ceased. The appeal is warmly welcomed in Holland, to which reassuring messages are arriving concerning the German troop dispositions. The “Algemeen Handelsblad’s” special correspondent, who has toured the German frontier .writes that the troops will be used only if the Allies break through the Siegfried Line. No attempt is made to conceal the dispositions, and most of their time is spent in sport and routine duties. A Berlin message says that a Wilhelmstrasse spokesman ridiculed reports that an invasion of Holland is contemplated and pointed out that the troops are naturally distributed as far as possible in order to minimise the danger from air raids while strengthening every part of the frontier. The German Press attacks Lord Halifax’s statement. Rome reports that Italy welcomes the appeal but without much hope that it will succeed. Italy is prepared to

collaborate with the efforts for peace provided she is not required to take the initiative. If the negotiations eventuate Italy will insist on consideration of her claims, especially in connection with the Russian threat to the Balkans. Signor Gayda continues to accuse Russia of imperialism and of partial responsibility for the war. The Rome -Radio, commenting on M. Molotov's speech, said. “It accused the United States and other neutrals of profiteering, but the Russians seem to forget that they themselves have made important industrial and commercial concessions to Germany. The charge of opportunism against Italy can be .refuted by citing Italy’s peace efforts and impartiality since the present conflict started.” In Paris the Premier, M. Daladier, conferred with his advisers after receiving the appeal, but there is no indication of his attitude. The French Press pays a tribute to the initiative of the Dutch and Belgian sovereigns, but firmly points out that Lord Halifax’s statement defines the basis for peace and that Germany has taken no action to modify’ the situation since the last peace offensive.

OSLO POWERS MAY BACK PEACE MOVE. NORWEGIAN PAPER’S VIEW. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, November 8. It is suggested that the Oslo Powers may back the peace move. The Oslo “Aftenposen” proposes a conference at The Hague and adds that Belgium and Holland would hardly have taken the initiative unless they had previously been informed that it would be welcome.

“CHILD PEACE” STIFLED BY LORD HALIFAX AT BIRTH. ACCORDING TO THE NAZIS. (Received This Day. 10.20.a.m.) LONDON, November 8. The Associated Press of Great Britain learns from Berlin that authoritative circles express the opinion that ‘-Viscount Halifax's accursedly prompt broadcast has stifled the child peace at birth.” The British United Press learns from Berlin that Herr Hitler is broadcasting from Munich tonight.