The Washington times., 1935-03-18
HULL CONFERS
WITH DAVIS ON
HITLER MOVE
State Department Is Greatly
Perturbed by Germany's
Action on Rearming
International News Service

The United States took official
cognizance Of the rearmament de-
fiance of the Versailles treaty.
Secretary Of State Corden Hull
called into conference Ambassador
Norman H. Davis, Americas rov.
ing disarmament expert, and Jay
Pierrepont Moffet, chief Of the
division of Western European af-
fairs, to discuss the situation.
Mr.. Davis arrived here from
New York this morning to confer
with Secretary Hull after learning
Of Germany's action.
Perturbed by the scare which
Germany's action has precipitated
in Europe, the State Department
was proceeding with extreme eau
ton in considering the extent to
which this country may be
affected.
Comment Refused
Secretary Hull declined to make
any comments as to what possible
action the United States might
take. He said that none Of the
other European governments had
made any communication to this
country in connection with Ger
many'S move.
In view of the fact that Ger
many'S action constituted q viola
ton of the separate American
treaty Of peace with Germany, it
was considered probable that the
former European allied powers
would communicate with this
Government as soon as they have
decided on what action they in
tend to take.
Disregard of the sanctity of
treaties shown by France, Great
Britain and the other former
European allied powers in connec-
ton with the 1000 million dol
lars owed Uncle Sam was held in
authoritative quarters here today
as likely to have had an impor-
tant bearing on Germany's re-
armament in defiance Of the
Versailles Treaty.
Surprised at Outcry
Europe's outcry over Germany's
decision to default on the military
clauses of the Versailles Treaty
evoked considerable surprise.
American officials were In
clined to believe that the former
Allies had no one but themselves
to blame since they, especially
France, were the first to inaugu-
rate the policy of making scraps
of paper out of treaties by de-
faulting on the American debt
agreements.
The howl set up by France par
ticularly was seen here as a strik-
ing example of the shoe pinching
when it's on the other foot.
Nor was Germany seen as set
ting any precedent for breaking
political rather than financial
treaties.
Japan'S military invasion and
virtual annexation of North
China. it was pointed out, long
has been recognized, even by Eu-
rope, as an outright violation of
the nine-power Pacific pact guar
anteeing the territorial integrity
of China.
Attitude Explained
1t was not that officials of this
government condoned Germany's
action in arbitrarily scrapping the
Versailles treaty. On the contrary,
it was deplored as another smash
ing blow at disarmament. Furthe,~
more. it was considered not only
possible but probable that this
government eventually would pro-
test against Germany's action.
Since it represents a violation OF
the separate American treaty of
peace with Germany, in which are
included the military clauses of
the Versailles treaty.
However, the view prevailed
that the extremity of the howl be-
ing made by the former European
allies made applicable to them the
proverb that those who live in
glass houses should not throw
stones.