Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-25
HENDERSON Warns
BERLIN AND VIENNA
Tells of Approximations Felt
by Other Nations Toward
Customs Union.

By the Associated Press.
PARIS, March 25.-Foreign Secretary
Arthur Henderson Of Great Britain IN
formed Foreign Minister BRAND Of
France today that he had called to the
attention of the German and Austrian
governments the apprehensions aroused
in many quarters as to the compati-
bility Of the promulgated customs union
with existing obligations.
The international reaction resulting
from the Austro-G German accord seemed
to be eased with the prospect that the
matter would go before the Council Of
the League Of Nations, probably next
May.
The Council win be asked. it was
indicated, whether the Austro- German
accord violates the Geneva protocol and
the ST. German treaty, IS the French
allege.
The frst hint Of the possible sub
mission Of the question 70 the League
Council was suggested in communicate
issued BY the British embassy today at
the conclusion Of q luncheon attended
~ BRAND. In It Foreign Minister Hem
derson expressed strong hope that be-
fore the Austrian and German govern
ments pursued their negotiations the
League Council, under whose auspices
the Geneva protocol Of 1922 was con-
summated, would be given an Oppor-
tunity to assure itself that the pro-
posalS were not contrary to Austria's
engagements under the protocol.
BRAND previously received Paul Bon
cour and Victor Berard, chairman Of
the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee,
| and assured them that France had
acted urgently to inform the govern
ments at Berlin and Vienna Of the
necessity OF respecting existing treaties.
League Must Act.
BRAND added that inasmuch as the
protocol Of reconstruction for Austria,
| arranged under the auspices Of the
League Of Nations, is clear, the League
must have its say before Germany and
| Austria can negotiate final accord.
While Berlin and Vienna today pro-
ceeoed to work out the details Of the
projected economic union, drawing the
ure OF France and other countries.
they appeared to have gained an UNI
official ally In Italy.
italian observers outside the govern
/ ment intimated that their country
might be the first, with some Of the
Balkan countries, to join with Ger
many and Austria in the customs
uIuOu, WHICH involves virtual Tree
trade between the participating nations.
They profesSed confidence that Italy
Is strongly interested IN the idea and
quite conceivably may join what is de-
scribed as a practical United States
Of Europe made while BRAND is dealing
in words"
Negotiations Suspended.
Oflcial French quarters said that
their government might decide TO de-
nounce the French commercial treaty
with Germany and abstain In the future
from all financial aid to Germany and
Austria II the customs union project
were carried out
Pending Developments, four nations
have suspended negotiations aiming at
| favorable commercial treaties with
Austria. These are Czechoslovakia,
Rumania, Jugoslavia and Hungary,
who have been seeking favorable re-
vision Of expired trade treaties. It was.
understood in London that Hungary
is the only one of the four favoring
! entrance into the projected union.
Responsible observers at Rome said
today that Italy, in view Of the posi-
bility Of joining In the union, had
fastened its study Of the text Of the
accord.
The opinion was expressed that it
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