DIPLOMATIC STIR

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 224, 18 June 1929, Page 11

DIPLOMATIC STIR

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE BY PRIME MINISTER OF BRITAIN

MINORITIES PROBLEM DISCUSSED

DRAMATIC REPERCUSSIONS IN EUROPE

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. 1 ! Australian Press Association.

(Rec. June 17, 9 p.m.)

London, June 17.

While the Prime Minister is striving to establish peace relations with the United States, he has made a bad fauxpas by publishing an article in a Sunday newspaper dealing with the minorities’ problem in Europe, “By Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister of Great Britain,” under the heading, “Menace to Europe—Should Peace Treaties be Revised?” ■>

In the article Mr. McDonald states that the complete breakdown of democratic government,in Jugo-Slavia and the establishment' of a Dictatorship are the latest warnings that there will be grave trouble unless Europe’s minority problems are solved in a spirit of give and take. He continues : “Uncompromising nationalism is an irritating and dangerous obstruction.” He expresses the opinion that the policy of Serbisation of the Croats in Jugo-Slavia has created two alternatives, equally evil—either an endless Parliamentary deadlock or a Dictatorship. “Italy, pursuing the same' policy as the Serb, can do this only for the time being without disturbing Europe.” Mr. MacDonald adds: “Nor must Alsac'e and Saar be left out of account in the survey of the minority problem.” The “Daily Telegraph” says: “Mr. MacDonald’s article has created a big stir in diplomatic circles, and has already assured speedy dramatic repercussions in several European capitals. It is -difficult to comment on this flighty irresponsibility in restrained language. If this is the sort of thing the Government believes is going to bring a peaceful settlement in Europe it is not likely to have resounding success.” Paris, June 17.

Surprise and disquietude are expressed at Mr. MacDonald’s, article, in which he suggests that the cases of Alsace and Saar should be included in the problem of minorities. The “Echo de Paris” says: “There is every indication of Labour starting on dangerous courses. Mr. MacDonald does not trouble to disguise his feelings towards us and our Allies. Such assertions are a firebrand to ignite war and incite German revengefulness.”

The “Petit Parisien” says Mr. MacDonald’s real aim is to use the problem of minorities as an engine of destruction against peace treaties.