Evening star., 1938-07-29
Anglo-Cerman Pact.

The determination with which settle
ment between England and Germany is
being sought is apparent from the
promptness with which Captain Fritz
Wledemann is said to be returning to
London after reporting to his chief,
Reichsfuehrer Hitler, on his conferences
there nearly two weeks ago, and from
the eagerness with which Prime Minister
Chamberlain awaits his coming.
H1tlers interest in such settlement
With Britain dates from the renewed
manifestations of Anglo-French soli-
dar1ty which occurred a week ago, and
Is coincident with Hitlers moderation
Of attitude toward the Czech Sudeten
question. All Of which lends tremendous
Importance to the visit King George and
Queen Elizabeth made to Paris.
Mr.. Chamberlains interest is of longer
standing and is better known. Until
Hitler's annexation of Austria and later
threats against Czechoslovakia made it
impossible even to suggest a settlement,
It was the intention of Mr.. Chamberlain
to negotiate simultaneously with Italy
and Germany for some sort of co-ordi-
mated tri-power system into which
France might later come for the
strengthening of the peace prospect in
Europe.
The Anglo German talks were abrupt
" broken off; the Franco-Italian nego-
tiations proceeded to a deadlock over
French support for the Loyalists in
Spain and Italy's backing for the In
surgents; Franco-German discussions,
II they were ever even theoretically
possible, were not undertaken. Thus
only the shadow of the Anglo-Italian
agreement provided base for the rec
tangular peace structure that was to
be set up. Appeasement by conciliatory
negotiation has paid mighty small divi-
dends 50 far
The resurgence of Spanish Loyalist
strength in the recapture of territory
west Of the Ebro River, where the op-
posing armies have been stalemated for
weeks, will be of no assistance to Mr..
Chamberlain in satisfying Germany.
Although Hitler does not have as sub
stantial number of fighting men in
Spain as Mussolini has, the Reichs-
fuehrer has lent General Franco impor-
tant aid by means of technical talent
and war materiel. Thus the question of
withdrawal of Germany from Spain
presents different problem and must
be approached from a different angle.
II Hitler believes that German experts,
fighting planes, artillery and tanks are
necessary for an ultimate Insurgent
victory, and that victory is postponed
while the Spanish government resists
doggedly to the end, Mr.. Chamberlain
may find himself enmeshed in the
identical difficulty which now prevents
the Anglo-Italian agreement going into
force-the failure of II Duce to recall
his volunteers" from Spain.
The question which arises now is
whether there is yet a basis for agree
ment Mr.. Chamberlain believes there is
and cited, in his address in Commons on
Tuesday, the Anglo naval agree
Of 1885 to show the possibility of mutual
respect for solemn engagements. But
hitherto both Italy and Germany have
given unmistakable evidence of their
unwillingness to have anything to do
with a settlement which is not a SELL
out to them. Great Britain, on the
other hand, wants peace on an equitable
foundation. Unless Britain is now willing
to yield supinely to the demands of the
German dictator, or unless the latter
acknowledges the principle of an equit-
able peace, there can be no true basis
for agreement.