AMERICA MINDS OWN BUSINESS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 127, 23 February 1938, Page 11

AMERICA MINDS OWN BUSINESS

Little Comment On British

Cabinet Crisis ISOLATIONISTS’ ANXIETY IS ALLAYED By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Recevied February 21, 7 p.m.) New York, February 21. While a dozen high officials in the State Department spent fhe day reading and evaluating reports of the exciting week-end in London and Berlin, the Secretary of State’ Mr. Cordell Hull, laid down a no-comment stipulation extending even to the exchange of private opinions between aides and outsiders, states the Washington correspondent of the "New York Tinies.” Congress advocates of isolation cited the developments to support the contention that the United States should keep her hands entirely out of European affairs. Senator Borah is hopeful insofar as the outlook for peace is concerned. He expressed the opinion that Herr Hitler’s demands would not lead to war and that Germany would regain her colonies, to which he believes she is entitled. Mr. Hull had his usual conference with the Press, but he was obviously nervous lest even his disinclination to comment on the situation might lead to speculative reports in the Press. Ho is not yet in a position either to comment or to decline to comment on Herr Hitler’s speech or Mr. Eden’s resignation. Thus this is perhaps the only major capital iu the world failing to indicate its official reactions. s Delicate Balance. It is evident that the State Department is disturbed, not necessarily because it officially favours either side in the struggle for predominance in Europe, but because speeches and actions creating uncertainty abroad are always looked on as potential threats to security in a delicately-balanced political world. No attempt is being made to evaluate at present the potential effect of Herr Hitler’s speech. There is evident determination to wait passively and observe results. Concerning Mr. Eden’s resignation, it appears to observers that the Administration might indirectly have gained a point, calming the criticism and fears of isolationists, led by Senator Johnson. It was to Mr. Eden that Senators Johnson and Borah ascribed an expression to the House of Commons implying a British-American understanding. It is at present questioned whether this expression is part of a personal programme which Mr. Chamberlain repudiated. Isolationists Checkmated. Isolationists have been further checkmated, since Mr. Chamberlain’s courting of friendly contact With Italy and Germany removes imich ground for suspicion that Britain was attempting to establish an anti-dictator bloc, consisting of France, Britain, and the United States.

The only possible threat at the moment to American interests concerns the British-American trade treaty. The threat is minimised, however, since the negotiations have been taken over personally by Mr. Chamberlain. Plans are expected to go forward unhindered. Congressional comment is sparse, but those few who did answer questions chorused, “We should mind our own business.”

BRITISH NEWSPAPER COMMENT VARIES

Mr. Chamberlain Said To Be Timid Of War

(Received February 22. 7 p.m.) London, February 21. “The Times,” in a leader, says: “The immediate occasion of Mr., Eden’s break with Mr. Chamberlain is tragically unreal and increases regret at Mr. Eden’s departure, but there is no doubt regarding the Premier’s right to take a real share in defining the major objectives of foreign policy, the success of which is crucial for the maintenance of general peace. “It is clear that the Italian invitation did not contain a threat. Mr. Chamberlain is entitled to the view, which most people share, that the opportunity will come to explore possibilities of a settlement without incurring reproach. He is, however, more timid of war than anxious about peace.”

“The Times” pays a tribute to Mr. Eden and Lord Cranborne, and adds, “Many believe the Premiership is not ultimately beyond Mr. Eden’s grasp. They will be the last to regard the present break in bis career as a catastrophe.” Turning Point in Policy. The “News-Chronicle,” in an editorial, declares that Mr. Eden is right, as there is nothing to show that Signor Mussolini will not again deceive panickv Britain to secure his own terms. The /‘Daily Mail” applauds Mr. Chamberlain’s decision as the turning point in British foreign policy, involving a break from League theories, which was inevitable in order to maintain peace. The “Daily Telegraph” believes that the debate will dissipate misunderstanding in Britain and misrepresentation abroad. “The Opposition’s exultation is enough to make Mr. Eden reflect that acquiescence might be more serviceable to the causes he cares for than refusal,” it says. The Dominion’s Part.

The Australian Associated Press says that Mr. Chamberlain’s case is vitally significant to the Dominions because, although the present crisis really came to a head over differences between Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Eden, it actually dates from the last Imperial Conference. It was there that the Dominions’ representatives pressed for European appeasement and indicated keenness to see Britain negotiate with Herr Hitler.

Support for Mr. Eden.

The Council of Action for Peace and Reconstruction has issued a manifesto supporting Mr. Eden’s policy, condemning unreservedly negotiations with Italy, and declaring that millions of electors rightly regarded Mr. Eden as a firm supporter of the League. The reply to the Government’s attempt to betray the national honour and Imperial interests must he unmistakeablo and nation-wide for Mr. Eden’s recall and the re-establishment of his policy of no surrender on principles.