-8- interference in Danzig. Germany and Poland could find a harmonious solution, if not interfered with by Geneva. We regret the conduct of the League of Nations in this matter. Lord Lothian asked if he thought the moment propitious to continue negotlationd regarding for instance the Western Pact and other questions? But he thought that personal contacts were at this time off vital importance. There was a great deal of unfounded suspicion on each side, this would disappear as soon as people came into personal contact, as the reality was so different from the conception based on reading and hearsay. Petsonal confidence between principals was an essential need, as the problems to be solved presented real difficulties and these could only be solved if conditions of understanding and confidence had been established between the XXXXXX principals. Hitler agreed. Regarding Pacts, there was one very great difficulty. A pact to renounce war should be clear and indisputable. But whenever Germany offered such a renunciatory pact (Verichts Pakt) the French, the Czechs, and the others agreed to accept only with a "but" - (aber) we have theatres, they would say, with Russia, with Czecho-Slovakia which require exception to be recognised. They make important exceptions to the renunciation of war. This won't do at all. Germany will only sign agreement to renounce war in the future without qualifications. The non-aggression Treaty with Poland, it is true, was open to the objection that on the Polish side renunciation was conditional. But in future Germany would insist on treaties requiring complete renunciation of war. In these conditional treaties reference was made to the League of Nations, as a controlling factor. He had no confidence in the League in this respect. This argument did not impress him. Abyssinia was a clear example of the consequence of placing one's trust in the League. |