BITTER COMMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 224, 22 September 1938, Page 11

BITTER COMMENT.

ACRIMONY IN AMERICA

Stature of France and Britain

Has Dwindled. " SECOND RATE POWERS." United Tress Association.—Copyright. (Received 9.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 21. A survey of Press comment on the European crisis in all parts of the United States indicates a great strengthening of the isolationist sentiment. Generally it is felt that the FrancoBritish peace plan is merely an expediency to prevent immediate war and that the seeds have been sown for a greater conflict. The opinion that the stature of France and Britain has dwindled is accompanied by a plea that America should "arm mightily, make the country self-sufficient and remain aloof." •Chattanooga Times," Tennessee, says: "Maybe mankind in the future will forgive the betrayal of Czechoslovakia, but it is clear that France and Britain have committed themselves to a policy which is certain to make them second rate Powers. Besides the Czechs millions who died in the Great War, believing they were saving democracy, have been betrayed." The "Portland Oregonian," Oregon, asks: "Was it necessary for Mr. Chamberlain personally to visit Herr Hitler? A telegram saying, 'Take what you want' would have served the purpose." The "Desmoines Register," lowa, is the sole newspaper which takes the view that Herr Hitler's aggression will draw France, Britain and the United States together for an eventual line-up. It says: 'Tsyc'bologically, the rape of Czechoslovakia is likely to be comparable with us to the sinking of the Lusjtania." The New York "Daily News" suggests that Mr. Chamberlain should trade to Herr Hitler Germany's old African colonies. It says: "All except German South-West Africa are just a sop to national pride, but to Germany they would represent the glory of an Empire regained. Mr. Chamberlain then would have hostages and Herr Hitler would be reasonable toward Britain because of the prospect of the British Navy cutting off his colonies." Beginning of the End of the Empire. The Richmond "Times-Dispatch," Vermont, says: "The year 1938 will mark the beginning of the end of the British Empire. France's decline as a world Power and the rise of a German Empire far more mighty than that of Charlemagne. HenHitler's contempt for the great democracies is justified. War is terrible, but some things are worth fighting for. If the so-called realists are not willing to put up battle for the preservation of liberty, they need not count on any help from us." The Los Angeles "Times" says: "The blunder will not avert war, but merely make it harder when Germany is more powerful. If France, Britain and Russia had stood firm, it is extremely doubtful whether Herr Hitler would have fought." The Washington "Evening Star" says: "No nation that scuttles a solemn pact ean any longer aspire to the trust; of others. Paris henceforth speaks with the authority of Monaco. The Maginot line baa become a rope of sand." Chagrin, disappointment and sarcasm are voiced by the Brazilian Press, says a message from Rio.de Janeiro. One newspaper recommends "the Attila of Munich'' for the Nobel peace prize. Others say Herr Hitler's victory is democracy's suicide.

CZECH BONDS SLUMP.

8 PES CEHTS FALL £15.

(Received IUO a.m.)

LONDON, September 21. Ah outstanding feature of the nneser markets is the slump of Czech bonds, 8 per cents falling £15 to £52, compared «<tk tt» jsarVkgVo* £104.