The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 17th, 1939 WORLD PEACE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 12822, 17 August 1939, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 17th, 1939 WORLD PEACE

'When Hitler declared that Germany would not go to war over Danzig, that was tantamount to saying there would be Avar, judged on Nazi utterances and performances of the past. EA 7 idenee has not been Avanting of late that a determined effort is being made by Germany to create the feeling that Poland alone is the aggressor, backed in her allegedly truculent attitude by Britain and Prance. Naturally if Germany is thoroughly determined to go to Avar she must have an excuse. If nothing tangible exists that can be called an excuse then one must be created, and so Ave haA r e the continued vituperate outbreaks in the German press ag*ainst Poland and against Britain for aiding and abetting. If there is nothing in the Danzig situation that cannot be settled Avithout recourse to war, as has been so persistently claimed and reiterated by Germany, why then all the tirade. Why not submit the demand for return of the City.to the Reich and have the matter argued? It seems hardly necessary to assert that Germany Avould not accept an adverse decision, and she Avould still be left her only alternative — fight for it. Dare she? The next feAV months, maybe' Aveeks, Avill ans Aver that question. Chamberlain’s policy, both in Europe and in the Far East, has in many quarters been strongly condemned, but Avhether that condemnation be just or unjust, there should be no misunderstanding or misconception as to Britain’s attitude should Germany make one false step against Poland. The moment Poland is involved Britain and Prance are embroiled in the conflict. The horrors of that Avar of the future, should it eventuate, will stagger mankind and therefore its possibility cannot be faced Avith equanimity. In mimic Avar fare a portion of England, embracing London, has been subjected to an air attack, and that attack, the experts claim, has been repulsed. Although Ave may accept that as an indication of Avhat may or Avill happen in actual warfare, there is much more to be feared in the event of Avar, the nature of Avhich one shrinks from conjecturing. The conclusion of an understanding Avith Russia, and-the reluctance of Italy to be plunged into Avar that will add nothing to her prestige, satisfy none of her imperialistic aims, and plunge the,country into misery and bankruptcy, are factors Avorking against Germany that cannot be ignored. Until Avar is an actual fact there is hope that the definite statement of Mr Chamberlain’s as to Avhere Britain stands should Poland be attacked Avill be the one factor that will preserve the peace of the Avorld. THOUGHT FOE THE DAY LIFE is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. —Sydney Smith.-