1936-03-20 — Page 9

LEAGUE COUNCIL HEARS

GERMAN VIEWS

Accusation Of Locarno Violation Rejected

Striking Arguments For

Rhineland Action

!!

London March 19.

von

Germany's ambassador to the League Council meeting." Herr von Ribbentrop. occupied a vacant seat when the Council opened at 10.30 this morning. At the outset of the proceedings Herr Ribbentrop expressed the hope that the resumption of relations by Germany with the League might prove the turning point in the history of Europe after the manifold confusions of the unhappy years following the war,

Von

Stating that the fundamental German attitude towards Lo- carno was outlined by Chancellor Hiller on March 7, 1err Ribbentrop outlined the main features of the Locarno Pact, the most important of which was the exclusion of the use of force be- tween France and Biglum on the one hand and Germany on the other for all time.

Herr von Ribbentrop said, that Locarno carried burden for Germany in leaving the import- ant populous Rhineland without any military protection.

"I believe from the standpoint of higher justice such a imitation of most primitive sovereign rights! would itself in the long run be al- most an intolerable condition for

nation," he said.

carno Pact it would have been the duty of the contracting parties. draw attention to them, in whic case the Locarno:Part would neve have been concluded,

declared

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1936.

PROCEDURE IN

COUNCIL

German Delegate's Enquiries

London, Mar. 19. Herr von Ribbenthrop who is Herr Hitler's Ambassador-at- Large, arrived in London yester day, but did not attend the meet- ing of the League Council which was then proceeding at St. James's Palace.

He paid a courtesy call on Mr. Eden at the House of Commons during the evening and later. ht 10.30 p.m. visited the Foreign Office to enquire about Couricu proce- dure. Mr. Eden was then engaged at & meeting of the Committee of Fair and Lord Cranborne, Under- Secretary received Herr von Rib- benthrop and explained that the information he desired could not be given by any one delegation and at his suggestion the German delegate got into touch with Mr. Stanley Bruce, President of the League Council.

Germany's case in the Rhine and Impasse was presented by Herr von Ribbentrop when he address- ed the League Council meeting.

GERMAN CASE

L

PRESENTED

Deep Impression On Audience

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

London, March 19. Germany's special ambassador. Herr you Ribbentrop's eagerly awaited speech with which the Thursday forenoon sessions of the League Council opened at 4m. manifestly created

G

10.30

deep

NEW TERROR IN MIDNIGHT CONFERENCE

U.S. FLOODS

Food Shortage And Looting

New York, March 19. Shortage of food is a new terror facing the victims of the floods in which the death rull 50 far is seventy. Damage is estimated at tens of millions of dollars.

of

Cutting of of railroad com- munications precludes the im- portation fresh supplies of foodstuffs in the isolated districts and small stocks in the shops have been bought up at famine prices. The flooded stores were looted after destruction of the reserves of wholesale warehouses.

The floods generally show до signs of abatentent. Precautions are being taken to prevent disas- ter when the flood waters reach the plains of the Lower Mississippi valley en route to the sea.

Pittsburg spent a night of dark- ness owing to absence of electric power when a large part of the city was submerged. National Guardsmen are patrolling the No trains are streets by boat. running and expresses bound for the Western sattes are diverted. Motor traffic between New Jersey and Pennsylvania is at a stand- still as many bridges are under

water.

ས

The Massachusetts police broad- cast warning to all persons ving near the Shetucket River to

flee as the local dam has burst.- Reuter

Herr von Ribbenthrop was an early arrival at St. James's Palace this morning for the resumed meeting of the League Council at which a resolution is under dls. cussion proposed on behalf of the French and Belgian Governments. This resolution declares that the Council finds the German Govern- ment has infringed the Treatles of MILITARY EQUALITY

Versailles and Locarne and invites the Secretary General In applica-impression on the audience and is Herr von Ribbentrop that the French contention that tion of Article four paragraph two kely to exert a far-reaching-in- on the future course of the Franco-Russian Pact was of Locarno to inform at once the fluence

SAVING WHITE HOUSE counterpoise for signatory powers of the said Treaty the negotiations." recessary as a

Von Ribbentrop, who spoke

Washington, March 19. German rearmament obviously of the Anding the Council has

Gerinan, did not fail to stress the "Fifteen hundred workers were rested upon an error for the La- reached.-- British Wireless.

historic significance of this re-engaged all night long piling up carno Pact stipulated the restora-

sumption in Germany's relations sand bags and conservating the tion of military equally between

with the League ut Nations, which dykes in order to protect White France and Germany because the

so he said he sincerely trusted House and Government buildings concluding protocol confirmed the

from the rapidly rising waters of obligation of France as other nations to follow German disarmament. Because France re- restore equality in this Secondly, that the two contract- fused ing parties were each by them-way. Germany was compelled to Le'ves the strongest military pow-achieve equality by following is own path towards the Locarno ers in the world:

objective,

OBJECTIONS ENUNCIATED

...

The

enunciated umbassador Germany's objections to the Franco-Soviet alliance, under five heads:

Firstly, that the alliance brings together two states comprising 275 million people; "al

Thirdly, that the allianc exclusively directed against many;

well DLS

EARLIER PROCEEDINGS

London, Mar 18. The League of Nations' Council met at 4 o'clock this afternoon to discuss the Franco-Beiglan ̈motion condemning Germany for the in- fringement of treaties and Mr. An-

thony Eden, the British Foreign

was

in

would mark a turning point in the history of Europe after "all the trials and troubles" of the disas- trous post-war years.

The Reich Government, declared had accepted the the speaker, League Council's invitation with Minister, reiterated that an incon- testable breach of the Versailles the firm intention of contributing its share to clearing the existing It had occurred. Treaty

political situation, and he himself therefore right that the Council

was convinced that a more idealy should come to conclusion and

Just cause had never yet been convey it to the other signatories.

The structure of security and con-advocated In the council of of which were refused or ignored. fidence had been seriously shaken, rations. When France ratified the Franco-he said. And then asked: "How

Hitler 14 it to be reconstructed?" Soviet aillance, Chancellor

Was

Ribbentrop "added Herr von Ger-

that Germany had not concluded milltary aliances of any sort and recaled Germany's repeated, of-

ers of pacification to Fran

1

a

That

took the only possible action which could only be achieved through a restored full sovereignty to the fuller understanding of the things Reich over the entire Retch area. foremost in the thoughts of each

Fourthly, that Russia, which is self separated by a long distance from Germany and cannet by at- tacked by her, has, "through similar military alliance with Cze. choslovakia indirectly advanced German its boundaries to the frontier;

Fifthly, that France and Russia

Government re by this alllance made themselves judges of their own cause becausejected as incorrect the unjust ac- they and not the League Nations cusation that it unfateraly vio- wil name the aggressor.

lated the Locarno Pact which was rendered null and void by France's action.

Herr von Ribbentrop enlarged this pain of naming the aggresso and the German allegation of it legality. He said that clause on ot the France-Russian" allianc signified that France could decid

The German

'ARBITRATION PROPOSAL

nation.

FRANCO-SOVIET PACT

The speaker proceeded to dwell at length on the view taken by the Reich Government of the and Cou- tended that this pact was incom- Franco-Russian Pact, patible alke in letter and spirit with the system of western European security organised by the Locarno Agreement.

ed

Germany would surely recognise that confidence depended upon the beile! in the sanctity of treaties and unilateral repudiation could only

of his In the further course nulllly the objects they envisaged.

arguments von Ribbentrop point- Mr. Eden said he welcomed the

out that the Franco-Russian wise and courageous declaration of

alliance implied the bringing to- Minister, M the Belgian Prime

two countries whose Coming to the French proposal paul van Zeeland, who had assert gether of

ed that despite what had happen- combined population totals 275 the con- should be submitted to arbitration ed an effort must be made to re-millions, that each of

tracting parties could claim to be to the Hague Court. Herr von

construct international lite. no: Ribbentrop said that it is sufficient

He hoped the Council's collective the strongest military powers in the world at the present time. wisdom might, suggest a

that the Franco-Soviet

whether Germany or Russia wa the aggressor. There was a re- servation that France does through its military dispositions, taken in accordance with its own decision, expose herself to sanctions. measures by the Locarno guaran-cance tors, Britain and France. This re- servation, both in law and in fact

Herr Von was invalid, declared Ribbentrop, because it was impos- sible for France to foresee the at- titude of the guarantor powers.

whose

alliance

course

success in attempting to clear up

ITALIAN VIEWS the matter by negotiations with

"Italy is fully conscious of its the signatory powers-I state that

responsibilities and remains faith- here with sincere regret." adding that past experience has shown ful to its Locarno engagements,** declared Bigner Dino Grandi, the speaker emphasised the that an attempt German lear of the Franco-Soviet never did lead to a practical goa. Italian diplomat. in his first public

The

MIGHTY COMBINE

and

the Potomac River.- Reuter's Bulletin Service.

WORLD TIN STOCKS

Situation Reviewed

In London

London, March 19. World tin atocks should be a minimum of 23,500 tons, equiva-

"

CONCLUDED

Flandin Satisfied With

Locarno Discussion

London, March 19.

The midnight conference of the representatives of the four Locarno powers, Belgium, France. Italy and Britain, fasted four hours and at its conclusion there were indications that the situation of past few days had to some extent heen relieved. The French Foreign Minister, M. Flandin, on leaving the meet- ing which was held at the Foreign Office expressed himself well satisfied with its work, and although he refused to give details he told the press that agreement in principle had been reach- ed.

communique was Shortly after the delegates dispersed a

"The Committee of Four met Issued in the following terms: yesterday from 12.30 to 3.30 and this evening from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. It examined the draft of the general agreement subject to reservations on certain items which require further examina- tion. Notable progress has been made."

M. Flandin proposes to return to Paris early, this afternoon, but be- fore he leaves a further meeting of the Committee of Four is con- templated.

It is understood that the French Foreign Minister will immediately lay, before his colleagues in Paris the proposals which have emerged in the London conversations and that the British Cabinet Ministers will also be called together to hear

and to take decisions upon it. the report from Mr. Anthony Eden Meanwhile, although many rumours are current regarding the lines upon which the Committee of Four have been working, no an- thoritative information is given-- British Wareless.

POINTS OF AGREEMENT

London, Mar. 19.

It is learned that three points in a draft agreement were reached

was

for an hour at the Foreign Office and examined the various texts of the main points which it

hoped will be embodied in one draft so that agreement may be reached to-day.

It is suggested that the League Council may be interrupted to allow for the Locarno meeting be- fore 1 p.m., when M. Flandin will fly to Paris.

If, as hoped, final agreement is reached this morning, it will be

to

submitted

the British and French Cabinets for approval.- Reuter

MORE MEETINGS - い

London, Mar. 19. The Locarno powers are тем assembling a the Foreign Office at 2 p.m., when the agreement will be Anally settled. M. Flandin's private aeroplane is waiting at Croydon and Ales to Paris im- mediately afterwards. He will at- tend the Council of Ministers at

the Elysee at 9 pm.

by the Locarno powers. Firstly, that there be an appeal to the Hague Court for a decision in re-

to

the gard compatability, of Franco-Soviet Pact with Locarno: Secondly, that there be a demili- tarised zone only on the German side of the frontier policed by an International Force: Thirdly, that there be an agreement in regard to collaboration between the Bri-by a special meeting of the Courell tish and French General Staffs.

The afternoon's council at 3. p.m., which was adjourned after Herr von Ribbentrop's speech, is expected to be brief. There will be no speeches, but a vote on the Franco-Belgian resolution is likely. This will be "followed immediately

to consider the agreement. An-" BRITISH SCRUTINY

other meeting of the Council is al- After the meeting of the Locarno most certain either on Saturday or Mr. Ramsay Monday to consider the question of I powers, Mr. Eden

MacDonald, Mr. Neville Chamber- an appeal to The Hague. lain and Lord Halifax remained Reuter,

GERMANY'S FUTURE" AGREEMENTS

No Signing Under Pressure

clear

156,000 sumption (calculated at lent to 15 per cent. of annual con-

tons) or seven weeks' require- on the ments, opines the review tin situation published by Vivian ("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special) Younger and Boni. This quantity

Leipzig, Mar. 19. That Germany will never again should be distributed in the United

to sign an international Kingdom 5,000 tons.. United States agree 8,000 toris. afloat 8.500 tons. agreement under pressure of force Arnhem and Straits carry-over was once more made definitely Goebbels, Reichs 4,000 tons.

by Dr. Minister for Propaganda, when he addressed a large election meeting at Leipzig on Wednesday evening.

"One thing is certain-we will never again put our signatures un- der dictates. Others have done that, and that is the reason why they have become our predecessors and why we have become their successors. What we need in Ger- many is this: learn from the eins of the past and trust the Fuehrer completely, so that he can speak in the name of the whole nation.

"He.shall not merely receive a

Ол the basis of the present 85 per cent. quote, the production now is 1,650 tons monthly above and the" destred

The Committee can

cor.centrate

on

to point out that the problem. in addition to its purely lega; side, which would secure the mainten- that the Franco-Russian alliance consumption.

was directed exclusively against 23.500 tons stocks will be reached has overwhelming political signifi-ance of peace on a foundation of

Germany and that Soviet Russia. in m.d-Juy.

balancing solution practical

respect for law. Britain, he pro- could not be effected from a Court mised, would play her full part in

a though geographically isolated then from Germany, had nevertheless supply and demand which at the of Law. "Still less could the Ger- the organisation of security to

by the conclusion of the military present rate of consumption will promise itself Western Europe. man Government

with permit a quota of 72). treaty with France

Regarding 1937 onwards. It is Czechoslovakia indirectly pushed

out that K restriction forward as far as the German pointed

breaks down. the potential world frontier.

will be about 225,000 production tons annually, exceeding the con- been followed throughout with sumption by 280 tons every work- the closest of attention by the 10g day-ester."

journalists The delegates and speech was thereupon translated into English and French and the League Council then adjourned till 3 p.m. when M. Litvinoff is expected to reply to the German representative Transocean News Service.

on these

ines

declaration in the present crisis. Pact when he declared it was Turning. to the future, Herr

He added, however, it could not small comfort for a state to receive von Ribbentrop said now that the be expected that Italy would join its rights in subsequent sancilons Reichs sovereignty has been CK- in the application of measures, to against an aggressor nanied by tended to its whole territory and which the Italians themselves were the League when it had already cquality achieved, Germany was subjected. He emphasised Italy's been attacked by an overwhelming willing and ready to end the re-perfect understanding of France's military coalition. He asked: "For grettable chapter of mistakes in and Belglurt's legitimate anxieties. what sanctions could hit so g'gan- the spirit of the law and confu- "He deplored the violation of the tic a coalition which reached from sion in Europe. With the extinc- Locarno Pact all the more because East Asia to the Channel? "These tion of the Locarno Pact a heavy it was made by a great power two states are so mightly, so de-spiritual and political burden has whose co-operation was essential cisive in numbers, and particularly been removed from the German to the maintenance of peace. militarily strong factors in the people. This German people have League of Nations that from prac-now only the upright wish to live tical considerations sanctions in peace and friendship with its against them would be unthink-neighbours and work in recon-

of real solidarity struction

able."

appeared.

.

cause

"Our duty is to see that the unity of the Locarno Powers is un- divided and unweakened," asserted signor Grandı. One incontestably in clear

was of weakness

Lo- The German Government which Europe to the best of its powers. the political basis of tie

camo signed the Locarno Pact would not

consequences of Pact in FUTURE POLICY have undertaken the obligations

the Geneva decisions in connection The speaker continued that with the Italo-Ethiopian dispute. under this pact if they found themselves in circumstances in

Germany was determined in the Locarno was built on the principle volving such a burden for them future to make her agreements of solidarity of the Western Powera alone as it has now subsequently with foreign nations as a fully he concluded, and the European sovereign state, free and unfetter peace is indivisible and the met- He continued that Germany and ed, thereby ending Franco-German hods of, preserving it must be in- France through Locarno renoun- tension. In this spirit the Ger- divisible, otherwise. Europe would cod force of armis in their relationsman Chancellor mude his historie become an armed fortress.

POLAND'S OBLIGATIONS one with the other, but to inter-and unparalled offer for the peace

Colonel Josef Beck, the Polish pret the Pact in a manner where- of Europe and concluded that the by one party enters into new as- contents and implication of the Prime Minister, recalled that the sistance and obligations of a mill-German proposais did not need Franco-Russian pact, like the Lo- tary nature against another party comment. They were so extensive carno Treaty, did not include Po- is, in the firm conviction and juri- and

every land, but it had not modified Po- dical interpretation of

of land's obligations and rights un man Government,, an absolute im-Europe at heart can only wish to der prior engagements. ponsiblilty.

see them realised in one form

the

comprehensive

the Ger-statesman with

الو

at the another- If such views existed time of the conclusion of the Lo-leuters

that

welfare

•

the Counc! He rejoiced that was meeting in London in a char- acteristic British atmosphere.

At 12 noon von Ribbentrop con-

which c'uded his speech.

had

CITY OF KHARTOUM DISASTER

alterations and stated that no fuel-

March 28, but from the ent're German Nation!"- Transocean News Service.

mandate from the Reichstag on

SILVER MARKET

'From Our Own Correspondent)

London: March 19. London Silver prices to-day

was found in the carburetters of Spot the plane and the cause of this Forward was either exhaustion of the petrol supply or air lock of the petrol feed.

March 18 March 19

19-5/8

19-3/4 19-11/16

19-1/2

Alexandria, Mar. 19. The Coroner issued a verdict ar the inquest into the death of twelve persons in the City of Khartoum disaster, The Coroner Poland attached

great impor- ruled out the suggestion that the were up 1/8 on "Spot" and 3/16 tance to the consolidation

of disaster was caused by primary on "Forward" as follow: normal European relations, but it was essential that the interests of any country whatsoever cannot be the object of international nego÷ tiation without the participation and consent of the country: con-

If the disaster was caused by cerned.

Senor Barcia of Spain and Senor breakdown of the petrol gauge

the Argentine, pro- then it was an act of God. Gulnazu of mised, support of the Franco- Belgian motion. while Dr. P. R. Munch, Danish Foreign Minister, Bald conciliatlon was imperative be- cause the present conditions were paralysing to the economic life, with the imminent threat of war.

ACTION CONDEMNED

The Coroner added a rider that Imperial Airways should inform their pilots and ground officers of consumptions of its planes tr unmistakable manner.- Reuter's Bulletin Service.

M. Nicholas Titulescu, Foreign Belgium first received satisfaction, Minister of Rumania, condemned be declared,

Meanwhile, the German chief de the unilateral repudiation of trea ties and declared that the safety legate to the League Council nes- of France was of the greatest im- sions, Herr von Ribbentrop, arrived portance to the Little Ententé coun- at Croydon from Berlin, and later tries. The Little Entente was paid a short visit to Mr. Anthony willing to negotiate the German Eden at the Foreign Office.~~ peace plan provided France and Heuter.

'THREE POWER TALK

IN ROME,

"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Rome, Mar. 13. The Premier of Hungary, Goem- boes, and the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Schuschnigg, who ar- zived here to-day. expect that their stay in Rome will last about four days. They have come to at- tend the Tripartite Conference in Palazzo Venezia between Italy, Austria and "Hungary. The con ference will open on Saturday morning and is expected to be over in the afternoon, when an official communique will be issued -- Transocean News Service.

BROADCAST CONTROL

IN ABYSSINIA

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Addis Ababa, Mar. 19. No private persons here will henceforth be authorised to laten in to radio broadcasts by virtue of a Government decree "Just issued which enacts that all radio sets.. must be surrendered by their own- ers without delay.

In the case of foreigners, their sets must be handed over to their: respective locations for safe cus- tody. Failure to comply with the new enactment will entall the con-

scation of the sets which is a measure which is believed to have been decided upon by the Govern- ment in order to prevent rumours of all kinds which are unceasingly circulating here and especially to prevent dissemination of re ports of Italian victories. Transocean News Service.

STATE FUNERAL FOR

VENIZELOS

Greek Government Decision

Athens, Mar. 18. The Greek Government has de- cided to givé Venizelos a state

carry the body from France to tuneral and two destroyers will

Athens, where the body will be Lying-in-State for two days, after which the body will be taken to Crete for the final burial cere: monies.-

Reuter's Bulletin Service.

SINO-JAPANESE TALKS

Nanking, Mar. 19. At the conclusion of four day conversations between informal Mr. Ata and Mr. Chang Chun with a view to facilitating satisfac- tory progress in future negotiations for readjusting Sino-Japanese re-, lations a communique states thint although complete agreement.on all points have not yet been achieved the parleys may be com- sidered very helpful in productog a bester appreciation of each other's viewpoints→→ Kleuter.