The Dominion. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1917. AMERICA & THE SMALLER NEUTRALS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2998, 8 February 1917, Page 4

The Dominion. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1917. AMERICA & THE SMALLER NEUTRALS

The hope expressed by Pbbsident Wilson that other neutral nations would support America's attitude towards Germany does not seem likely to be realised so far as tho smaller European Powers aro_ concerned. Switzerland and Spain at time of writing have declined to follow the lead given by the United States, and outside o£ the- South American' Republics it is doubtful whether President .Wilson will find the active assistance he seems to have expected; Ho indeed seems likly to suffer that disappointment which his own attitude and actions in the past have occasioned those who had' expected the head of tho great llepublic to take a high and courageous stand when Germany first set out to violate the. laws of nations and of humanity. And in the caso of some at least of the smaller neutral Powers there is greater reason than America had lor failing to act us national selfrespect and honour would demand. Switzerland, Holland and Denmark, for instance, each have frontiers bordering on those- of Clermany. They are weak in military strength and witlmhc example of Belgium, Serbia, and Kumania fresh in their minds might well pause before- committing themselves to a course which would lay them open to similar horrors. The Gorman system of terrorism practised with such ruthless savagery has had its effect on these weaker nations within reach of the Kaiseii's military forces, aucl it will surprise no one to find that they now hesitate to commit themselves to Pbesident Wilson's belated line of protest. IJV this President Wilson has himself in part to blame. Had ho acted early in the war when Germany first set out on her monstrous crimes as he is acting now, then he would in all probability have iiad the support of many of the other neutral nations who now stand ajoof, and the moral influence of their combined protests at that time might have had tho effect of cheeking the Kaiser and his criminal associates. But that belongs to tho past. It may be added, however, that it is by no means improbable that the smaller neutral nations may be influenced to some extent in their attitude to-day by a distrust of President Wilson's fixity of purpose and determination to "see the thing through." His past weakness and temporising may justly occasion doubts as to whether even now after the grave step ho has taker he may not find some reason or excuse for opening the door to a resumption of friendly negotiations with Germany. Where, then, would be the smaller neutrals within reach of Germany's armed forces 'I That the United States will now retreat from the position taken up is inconceivable. President Wilson has gone too far to make this possible. The American people havo to bo considered. They have been treated by Germany with an almost contemptuous disregard; the threat held'out by the President's action in breaking off diplomatic relations has been in effect laughed at as a bogey that it would be foolish to allow to disturb tho plans of tho Central Powers. However little President Wilson may dislike tho prospect of having to back his words by deeds, tho American people arc not likely to swallow the insult to their national pride which Germany's attitude involves. The latest news of the shelling of the boats of tho steamer Eaveston goes to show that an American citizen was killed, and the information is

stated 1,0 have been Bond Lo Washington by the- American Consul at Queenstown. This means, if President Wilson's words mean anything at all, that Germany has committed that overt; act which will provoke America to action. It in plain, however, that the entry of America into the war on the side of the Entente. Powers can be of little military value for some, time to come. America is unprepared for war and Germany knows this. America, in point of fact, if sho enters the war in defence of her rights, will be dependent on Britain and her Allies for, protection from the German Fleet. Id is truo that sho may prove a valuable ally as time progresses, but for some months to come sho can give comparatively little military assistance. Tho smaller neutral nations who were invited by President Wilson to join with America know this, and they cannot afford to disregard the fact. There is just this further point to be considered in estimating the possibility of action on their, part. At the moment tho military forces of the Central Powers arc comparatively idle. This places such countries as Holland, Denmark, and Switzerland at a disadvantage inasmuch as greater forces would be available for use against them now than would bo the case a few weeks hence. With the blaze of fighting on all fronts which may be expected in the early summer months, Germany and her allies will have their hands full, and Holland and the Scandinavian Powers who may be expected to act in unison will bo in a better position to assert their rights. Germany may then find, when she is hardest pressed, that the small neighbours she has so shamelessly terrorised have bitter memories to avengo. Peesident Wilson's appeal for united neutral action, had circumstances permitted its delay until two months later, might have met with a very different reception to that which il> seems likely, to receive to-day.