Over the Wire

LONDON Diplomats here generally interpreted Adolf Hitler's speech as lessening the threat of European war.

The possibility was seen that President Roosevelt's peace plea thus may bear fruit. Competent quarters indicated that Great Britain may take the initiative to that end.

Der Fuehrer's speech was viewed as ominous mainly because it was believed to point to continued German efforts for eastward expansion. Not only did the German Chancellor for the first time publicly proclaim the Reich's demand for Danzig but, by denouncing the German-Polish non-aggression pact more than four years before it was due to expire, Hitler recovered a free hand to deal with Poland.

No Threat to England

Despite Hitler's annulment of the most valued provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty, his speech was not expected to influence materially British relations with Germany.

Diplomats were surprised that Littler refrained from the familiar attack on Russia. This was calculated to be a discreet avoidance of strengthening further Russia's anti-Nazi policy at the moment Britain and France were negotiating to obtain Soviet entrance into the anti-aggression front.

Paris statesmen termed. Hitler's speech a clever lawyers brief which failed to introduce any new element in the European situation. They added that the speech did not increase present danger but invited permanent vigilance.

In Rome high Fascists termed Hitler's speech a firm, energetic answer to Roosevelt's message and to Britain's encirclement policy. Political circles said the next move was up to Poland.

For Hungary a 'Peace-Gesture'

Hungary's reaction, important because of her strategic position in the Balkans and the fact she has extensive territorial claims against her neighbors, was to consider Hitler's speech as a peace gesture opening the door to future negotiations to settle Europe's problems. Hungary was expected to remain a close friend of the Axis while maintaining her independence and neutrality.

Unofficial Soviet circles in Moscow said Germany's denunciation of the Anglo-British naval pact and the Polish-German friendship treaty "again proves the worthlessness of Germany's international undertakings." The speech did not surprise Moscow, where its main lines were forecast soon after publication of Roosevelt's appeal.

Rumania received Hitler's references to Poland with some trepidation. Political quarters maintained, however, that if Polish-German relations should worsen to the point of armed conflict, Rumania would not necessarily be embroiled.

Washington Uncertain

WASHINGTON--The future course of diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Germany was in considerable doubt tonight following the reply of Chancellor Adolf Hitler to President Roosevelt's peace plea-a reply, which some officials felt, increased rather than relieved European tension.