1936-03-28 — Page 9

FRANK STATEMENT OF

BRITISH POLICY

Wide Measure Of Approval In Parliament

London, March 27.

Mr. Anthony Eden's frank stalement of British policy in the House of Commons last night bas met with a wide measure of approval in Parliament and the newspapers agree that the whole debate was impressive and constructive. In its closing stages Mr. Winston Churchil, Mr. Attlee and Mr. Neville Chamberlain look Dart.

Mr. Churchili, who locks upon the Rhineland coup only as a manifestation of swift transformation of Germany Into an armed machine, declared that the only way to avert

war was to or- ganise under the League complete pacts of mutual assistance which would not constitute encirclement because they would be strictly defensive and would offer Germany herself a guaranteë. He urged that when security had been organised the Government should negotiate in strength and not in weakness and then deal with Germany's grievances and with general disarmament.

Mr Attlee advocated following a straight League policy and hoped the projected world conference would deal with the "main economie problem of closed markets. He characterised as ridicu- leus the proposal to bring in Italy as a policeman and said he was disturbed at the staff consultations which are not general among all members of the collective system.

to

Mir. Neville Chamberlain, refer- ring to the immediate issue, te. firmed the desire to get the ne- gotiations "going, but recognised the impozability o. doing so until Germany had done something restore confidence. Britain had Joined in the Locarno Pact be- cause she was vitally interested "r low countries. She was bound 'n Eastern Europe by the Covena it and would act under that fully with other members of the Lea-

que if there was any aggression In reference to staff consu”ta- lations, he said that Britain was bound to tell fellow signatories of Locdo what they could expect in the way of assistance just As France had told Britain in case the Mediterranean.-

British Wireless.

MIR. EDEN'S STATEMENT IN THE COMMONS

The

London, Mar. 26. House of Commons was packed by members and, diplomats to-day when Mr. Anthony Eden. the Foreign Secretary, delivered his long-promised statement on foreign affaira

he inmated that his speech was not addressed abroad, but to the people of Great Britain.

Permanent..

demilitarisation of the Rhineland. stipulated in the Treaty of Versalles, was a most Important element in inducing the Freach to forego their demand for the separation of the Rhineland from Germany, he declared. The demand for a demilitarised zone

figured in the original movement for the protection of the frontier

by Germany, who inated conver- sations which led to the Locarno Treaty.

"

to

Germany he said, referred the dictates of Versailles, but no- body ever heard of the dictates of Locarno. If Germany had wished to modify the Locarno pac, ne- gotiations were open to her. Mr. Eden pointed out.

The Germans claim that the Franco-Russian pact, was incon- sistent with the Locarno under takings and ought to have been settled by the methods stipulated in the treaty. If the Hague Court were unsuitable for Franco-Ger- man arbitration, the treaty ex- pressly provided that even legal questions could be submitted to the Permanent Conciliation Commis- sion.

+

FORCEFUL METHOD Even those persons in Britain who thought Germany had strong case deprecated the fact that she had chosen to present it by force and nut by reason. And British people, he recalled, were not arbiters, but guarantors with definite commitments.

J

Mr. Eden read Article Four of the Locarno Pact, making the British Government's responsibilities clear. "I want, in all bluntness, to say that I am not prepared to be the first British Foreign Becretary to go back on the British signature," the Minister told the House. Loud chesers greeted his pronouncement.

The British objective, he went on, was to seek a peaceful and agreed solution. France said that

11

White Paper, framing the Locarno Powers, proposals, had

bren pro- duced. He emphasised they had always been proposals, and not an ultimaturi.

INTERNATIONAL FORCE

HONG "ONG ·DAILY PRESS.

GERMANY SEEKS CLARIFICATION

Ribbentrop Sees Mr. Eden

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1936.

WISE AS WELL AS PACIFIC

STATEMENT BY MR. EDEN

General Approval

Press Support For

Mr. Eden

||

London, Mar. 27. Herr von Ribbentrop accom- panied by Herr Diekhoff had forty Ave minutes conference with Mr. Eden who was accompanied by Lord Cranborne, at which he ask- ed for an explanation of Mr. Eden's remarks concerning Anglo-French General Staf talks. It is under-mitting themselves too deeply to stood Mr. Eden replied that the talks had not yet begun, but they were likely to start in ten days time.

London, Mar. 27. The Times" says that Mr. Eden's speech, which was an ad- mirable parliamentary perform- ance, bas successfully put an end to the notion that the Govern- ment have any intention of com-

the view of treatles, which would put a lower value on peace itself than upon the instruments crest- ed for its observance. But there

has been a breach of treaty that binds Britain,

No imaginable court could hold that the British guarantee to maintain the treaty was not applicable to the event of March 7.

Herr von Ribbentrop then asked for a more specific description of "framework within which the talke will be held," and pointed out that if Britain still, regarded herself bound by Locarno, then she had an obligation to defend the in- All British opinion is with Mr. violability of the frontier by Ger-

Eden in the request for some many as well as France and Bel-constructive contribution from gium, It is assumed Mr. Eden re-

Berlin

were as guarantor only and now apply to France and Belgium in view of Germany's denunciation of Locarno,

to help in clearing the

plied that the British obligations debris of the old treaty from the site of the new. Germany cannot be the only power to refuse her share in this preliminary recon- struction. The adherence of Ger- many to Western

an understanding in Europe will avert any danger that British intervention might stereotype ancient animos-" itles, and the statesmen of France and Belgium have shown that i the way can be cleared they are more than ready to accept the op- portunity of fully negotiated peace which Herr Hitler has put before them.

Reuter also learns that Herr von Ribbentrop and Mr. Eden agreed that Hitler's counter-proposals should generally not be discussed, assuming the Franco-German gap can be bridged and negotiations begun middle of May after the

Herr von Ribbentrop is returning to Germany this afternoon, but will return on Tuesday with elaboration of Hitler's proposals of March 7 in "precise constructive terms." Reuter

If the suggestion for an interna tional force to patrol the Rhins land were the difficulty and Ger-French elections. many had some other constructive proposals to replace it, "we would be quite ready to approach the other powers and try to secure an agreement upon it." But without a constructive contribution from Germany the task of starting ne- gotiations would be almost impos- sible, Mr. Eden declared.

Mr. Eden distinguished between the arrangements for General Staff conversations mentioned in the White Paper, and those before 1914. The question to-day whether British people were pre- pared to nake arrangements to tult their obligations should the need arise.

was

i

In Britain

!

Landon, March 27. Mr. Anthony Eden's speech in the House of Commons last night, addressed by the Fore.gn Secretary to the British people particularly, is acclaimed by members of all parties as the greatest of his career. He has succeeded in con. veying the Empression that the British Government takes foreign policy from neither France nor Germany, but has its own. founded on the dominant con- derations of European appease- rent and a loyal discharge

Brish obligations.

of

Mr. Eden's candid words, to both, Germany and France have met with general approval.

LONDON SPEECH SETS

FLANDIN BUSY

French Press By No Means

Enthusiastic

("Hong Kong Dai y Press" Specia

Paris, March. 27.

M. Flandin's sudden decision to return to Paris from his constituency this morning was prompted by Mr. Eden's speech in the British House of Commens on Thunday night,,says the "Petit Parisien." The French portion of Mr. Eden's speech, it is reported, necessitated instant clarification.

"Le Matin" declares that M. Flandin also wants to kill two birds with one stone by meeting M, Litvinoff and Rushdi, Aras In Paris to discuss the Russian and Turkish aspects of the present international political situation.

Nevertheless the only diplomatie discussions "actually ar- ranged for Friday are between M. Flandin and the British Am- bassador. After these meetings M. Flandin intends to return to his election campaign.

1

The British Government" ap-

pears to want to limit its obliga-

Lobbyists are of the opinion

The French press to-day is by but shows great eagerness to come that the net result of the foreign no means enthusiastic about Mr, i to an understanding with Ger- affairs debate has been to streng- Eden's speech because he demand- many on the basis of Herr Hitler's then the Government attitude in ed so emphatically that the Ger- proposals. sclwng the European crisis by ed with the same impartiality as looking to Germany to assist in man proposals should be examin

the French. A morning paper tions exclusively to Western producing its own proposals Heuter.

points out the following:--

Europe, which means that Great 1. England is just as little dis- Britain might remain neutral posed as Italy and Belgium to should France, in consequence of conform with the French demand conflict in Eastern Europe, and that force should be employed itself at war with Germany." against Germany until the 'ber- man troops have withdrawn from the Rhineland.

FRANCE IMPRESSED

Paris, March 27. The general effect of Mr. An. thony Eder's speech is described as encouraging in authoritative French quarters.

||

FR definition of the scope of Genera Staff conversations be tween Britain and France is con→

sicered satisfactory and there is no tendency to cavif at the state ment of Britain's specific obliga- tions.

"It is emphasised that France stil insists upon the total acceptance by Germany of the Locarno Powers' proposals of March 19 as

9

ANOTHER TOWN and nothing is threatened against France agrees that Britain's role

DESTROYED

Italian Warning To Ethiopians

Addis Ababa, Mar. 27, The town of Fijambara, half way between Jijiga and Harar, was completely bombed and, des- toyed to the last by 25 Italian air planes on Thursday, according to reports received here.

The Morning Yost" says that Mr. Eden's policy seems wise as well as pacific. Proposals nave been made to Germany which she is free to reject, at her pleasure her, but it is wisdom for Britain to maintain as it would be folly to discard friendship and alliance upon which our own safety may depend.

GESTURES DECLINED

The "Daily Telegraph" recalls that the Locarno Pact which Ger-

| into at the request of Germany, at many now repudiates was entered

whose suggestion the demilitarized zone undertaking. If she wished to modify any part of it, negotiations were open to her. Germany pre- ferred force.

was made a part of the

Although her "act was accompanied by an offer to guarantee peace for 25 years she has declined every suggested ges- ture that would open the way to negotiation.

Attacking the argument that Britain must avoid all Europeau ("Hong Kong Daily Tress" Special) entanglements, Mr. Eden insisted" it was of vital interest to Britain that the integrity of France and Belgium should be maintained and that no hostile force should cross their frontiers. The General Staff conversations plan only applied in the case of unprovoked aggression. and he hoped the necessity for

Only als people were killed and such co-operative measures would

three wounded, because the bomb- never arise. But he was condenting of Jifiga had served as a warni- the necessity was much less likely ing azid caused the inhabitants of to arise if Britain made quite clear Jambara to prepare for emer-

The "Telegraph" emphasises the her position."

gencies, so that they could strictly limited range of the pro- evacuate the town almost imme-posed staff conversations which diately the Italian planes arrived. imply no political obligation."

The same Italian squadron sub- sequently flew "over Harar, "but did not drop any bombs but pamphlets, warning the Abyssinians to leave

- WAR DANGER He did not regret one of the pro- posals in the White Paper. The circumstances were as grave da any since the War and few people in

Britain realised the immense signi ficance of the demilitarised zone to certain parts of Europe. The White Paper. allayed the immediate proa pect of steps being taken which might have led to war.

When the war danger was weigh ed against the White Paper he was convinced that all would agree the document was worth while.

to

a17

cities, market towns and villages before April 1.

The opening of a new Italian offensive on the Ogaden front by a column of General Graziani's troops at Basah Baneh and cap- turing this town is officially con- Brmed here.- Transocean News Sérvier.

+

HOPES DISAPPOINTED

The "Petit Journal" writes that 2. "Although the British Govern- Mr. Eden's speech has disappoint- ment is ready to discharge the ed all hopes so far held and that taken by the Locarno Treaty, she be drawn from his declaration is mutual help obligations under the most important conclusion to.

is not willing to

enter into a the determination

military alliance with France.

sympathetically the

tu

Examine proposals

3. England does not regard the Bitler will submit on March 31.- London proposals as an ultimatum } Tranceas News Server,

first condition to negotiations DR. SCHACHT TO is that of a guarantor, not "an arbiter

France gives Mr. Eden distinct credit for the great balance of his speech.- Reuter

SITUATION CLARIFIED

Berlin. March 27. Mr. Anthony Eden's statement that the White Paper conträning the Locarno Powers' proposals was not an ultimatum has clarified the situation, and lessened the Buro- pean tension, declares the "Voel kischer Beobachter."

RESIGN?

Notable Alteration In Annual Report

RED INVASION

OF HOPEL

Japanese Hint Of Military Action

Berlin, Mar, 27,

Pe-ping, March 27. Rumours that Dr. Schacht has Dramatic developments are ex- offered his resignation as President pected in North China as a result of the Reichsbank are strengthen- of the eastward movement of the ed by the annual report of the Reds in. Shansi. A Japanese Reichsbank in which, instead of milltary spokesman in Tientsin emphasising as hitherto the need declared that a Communis inva- This paper goes on to say it hopes as a result of this speech Reichsmark at all costs, it merely provoke a

for maintaining stability of the son of Hopel would inevitably that all nations, including France

clash with Japanese states that the Reichsbank's task troops. will be seen" at the same table taking counsel together in peace ditions.

is to provide orderly currency con-""

The Nanking Government Years without prejudice.-

that the Japanese are ready to Bourse circles interpret the seize any pretext for annexation Reuter.

notable alteration in the wording of North China and ordered as indicating the possibility of a General Sung Cheh-yuan to repel change in currency policy.

the Reds at all costs for whichi he is massing troops on the border.

P

YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN SPAIN

Collective security, it adds, re- quires either full and unequivocal support of Germany or must be (From Our Special Correspondent)

obtained by banding together al nations which fear the increase of German armaments.

"It is known that the extremist section of the Nazis have exerted pressure on Dr. Schacht for easter monetary conditions.

As Dr. Schacht's presidency of Madrid Mar, 27. the Reichsbank conficts with his After delihorailons lasting for position as Minister of economics several hours the leaders of the wherein he seeks to promote for The "Daily Herald," while Eocial Democratic and Communist eign trade, it is thought that he conscious of the difficulties of the Youth movements have decided might resign the presidency of the present situation, expresses dis- that the two organisations should "Reichsbank while retaining the. appointment that Mr. Eden's be amalgamated under the title Ministry of Economies.-- speech by the prominence given "Bocialist Youth Federation 1 Reuter

come of instructions just brought back from Moscow by a delegation of Spanish Marxist youths. Transocean News Service.

to the Government's anxieties for Spain." This measure is the out- They attached the greatest im-

HEADQUARTERS TO MOVE

Western Europe allowed the League portance to new negotiations,

Rome, Mar. 27, and collective security to fade into the Foreign Secretary continued.

The Italian Headquarters on the second place- but if they were

northern front will be transferred ¦ Ariliak Wirelésn, reach that stage there must be a contri-

to Amba Alaji from Makale unme- bution by the Germans, Hitherto diately after completion of the new none had been forthcoming, ex-roads in that region. cept Herr Adolf Hitler's undertak. This report is taken to assert ing not to lacrease the number ut

that Antalo has not been taken troops in the Rhineland. That was by the efiemy forces, and Makale is not enough."

not threatened by the Abyssinians, as earlier reported.

If Germany would undertake not to fortify the Rhineland during negotiations that would be some. thing; but he was informed it was impossible for Germany to give even that undertaking.

The proposals which Herr Hities was making next week would be received with an open, mind and a keen desire to make the best use of them.

SEARCH FOR "PEACE- They were only at the beginning of a critical period of international' negotiations and they must persiat in their search for peace on endur- ing foundations. Britain was not bound by the divergent policies of either France or Germany.

To France he would like to say

ruany.

li

The Headquarters of the Negus, it is asserted, are now near Lake Ashangi, and that a large scale action may be fought there soon.

In view of the activities of the Italian airplanes. In the Lake Ashangi region, the Abyssinian Headquarters are continually on the move, since an accident to the Negus would probably completely demoralise the Imperial forces- Trasarean News Service.

EDINBURGH CASTLE GOVERNORSHIP

King's

's Appointment

Sensation On Board Tourist Ship

Americans Seek Protection Against Germans

Manila, March 27.

A sensation was created here following the arrival of the Hamburg America round-the-world Uner Reliance this evening, when Mr. A. T. Simonds, President of Simonds Saw and Steel Works, Massachusetts, and Mrs. Simonds, both passengers on the Reliance.. applied for police protection as it is believed their lives are endan- gered owing to the attitude of other passengers on the Reliance, most of whom are Germans.

that Britain was unable to ensure Is Majesty the King has ap-. peace, antess France were ready to pointed Lieut. General Archibald while the vessel was in Singapore, Reliance who stuck up

It appears that on March '17, { A young German" on board the If withdrawal from the Rhineland approach with an open mind the Rice Cameron, G.O.C. Scottish.

for Mr. could not be otherwise arranged it problems separating her from Ger- Command, Governor of Edinburgh Mr. Simonds made a statement in simonds was badly beaten up.

the "Malaya Tribune" regarding' Castle. The office of governorship

Mr. Simonds ia disembarking beginnmg with And he would like to say to Ger is honorary and special duties at the European situation And

sanc-many: How can we enter two ne- tached thereto. The position had severely criticised the remilitarise from the Reliance here and hast applied to the United States High Govern-gotiations with any prospect of lapsed since 1860 and it was one tion of the Rhineland, Old

not take that success unless you are prepared to of the last acts of King George in

Commissioner, Mr. Frank Murphy, view. The Cabinet thought it was do something to allay the anxieties reviving it. The G.O.C. Booktah

to lodge a protest. its imperative duty to seek to re- in Europe which you have created? Command will be appointed to the store confidence by negotiations, Reuter.

Governorship so long as he holds After many days of anxious, and

the Command-

must be brought about by progres- sive pressure. financial and tions. The British ment

even

économic

critical negotiations, the

Continued on Page 12)

Reter Bulletin Berota».

The Germans aboard took offence at this statement and threatened Mr. Simonds, who was compelled to lock himself in and his wife in the cabin until the liner's arrival in Manila to-day.

The Reliance is calling at 8 pm. to-morrow for Hong Kong and Shanghai,

•Heuter.

LINER QUEEN MARY

AT ANCHOR

The Communists have won ad- herenits in Shans by spreading propagrinda of their intention to. oust the Japanese from Hopel. It fs now reliably reported that the Luanfu. about thirty Communista are approaching- nve mies: from the border. Reuter...

DENCAS GRANTED

PARDON

("Hong Kong Daily Pres" Special)

Madrid, Mar. 27. London, March 27. 'Senor Dencas, former'y Prime

Minister of the rebel Catalonians.. The liner Queen Mary WES ahead of her time when

who after an unsuccessful revolt she

1 steamed into Cowes Roads, Isle of

October 1934 filed from the"

Wight about 6,30 this morning, country, taking the public welfare As her arrival practically coincld-funds with him, has been set at ed with low water, she anchored berty by order of the Spanish some two miles off the esplanade. State Court. Hitherto Dencas had She will probably remain in this not been a beneficiary of the am- position for a few hours before it uesty law as his embezzlement will be possible for her to complete was not reckoned, as political her journey.

offence. The

present pardon, now

decreed on the

Shortly before 8 am; the Uner Bremen, Inward bound for South-ever. ampton, passed the Queen Mary grounds that Dencas, who

British Wireless,

Wes

as she lay at anchor The Queen formerly leader of the Catalan Mary received a salute of many Separatist Youth movement, stat aeroplanes throughout the morn-ed that be took the money to pro- Ing.-

cure weapons. armoured" cars "and ammunition with which to equip A Renter's Bulletin Service mes- his forces. This is held to have sage adds that the liner is expect- established the political character ou to leave.Cowes at noon and of the offence, thus permitting the arrive in Southampton at 3.30 employment of the amnesty law. p.m. when she goes into King Transocean News Service. George's drydock.

ENGINE DRIVERS

KILLED

FUHTAN UNIVERSITY

ARRESTS

Shanghai, Mar. 21.

It is understood that the arzēsts Manor, Pen., Mar. 27. of people attached to Fabian Uni- Two engine drivers on the Pitts versity now total about 20, includ burgh-Ohio express were killed ing one or more profesors - when the express collided with a pected of Communist "tait." "The sengers were mostly asleep at the what to do with them, but it f goods train near here. The pag authorities have not yet decided time of the accident and were not believed that drastic action is not injured g

Hkely

*Reuter's Bulletin Service.

Heuter

1]