4 APRIL 1931, Page 1

Unfortunately the Austro-German scheme was hatched Vith a secrecy which

has inevitably caused suspicion, and for which Mr. Henderson very properly reproached Germany and Austria. Nor is that all. Suspicion is a diabolical bacillus at all times, but under conditions highly favourable to itself it can produce a universal virulent disease of unrest. Such circumstances obviously exist now, when all the nations arc called upon to prepare for the Disarmament Conference. Mr. Henderson frankly confessed the concern which the Austro-German procedure had aroused in his mind. Germany and Austria, he said, had temporarily been blind to the advantages of the routine, built up since the War, which provided for frequent contacts between the representatives of nations. He could not, therefore, complain of the perturbation in France, which was very natural.