The Dominion. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1939. BRITAIN GUARANTEES PROTECTION

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 170, 15 April 1939, Page 10

The Dominion. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1939. BRITAIN GUARANTEES PROTECTION

Mr. Chamberlain in his latest speech has specifically added to Britain’s guarantees of protection to European States threatened by German and Italian aggression. The cover previously. extended to Poland has now been given also to Greece and Rumania. In addition he has issued a general warning against any act, such as the occupation of Corfu, affecting the present position in the Mediterranean. The French Premier, M. Daladier, has committed his own country to similar obligations. The two'nations are strongly united both in purpose, policy, and the collaboration, of. their preparations for eventualities, presenting an attitude of solidarity and determination far more impressive in its practical implications than was the case in September last. While Mr. Chamberlain has been unable to condone Signor Mussolini’s violation of Albania’s sovereignty, he is still, with extraordinary patience, prepared to make the best of what remains of the Anglo-Italian Mediterranean Treaty. He takes hope from the fact that “the patience Britain has exercised over a long period, with many disappointments of its efforts to remove suspicion, promote goodwill, and ensure peace, would yet be rewarded.” But lest those concerned may be disposed to try this patience further, he makes it perfectly clear that there will be no cessation of Britain’s effort to organize combined resistance to any future, encroachments. out prejudice to preconceived ideological notions,” he says, Britain is endeavouring to the utmost of its ability to marshal the forces which still favour peace and are willing to resist aggression. Mr. Chamberlain’s speech is firm and decisive, as was fully warranted by the gravity of the occasion. Yet by no stretch of the imagination could it be described as provocative. It is a clear and precise statement of Britain’s attitude to the present trend of events, of what Britain and France are prepared to doffn certain specified eventualities, and an invitation to the Powers concerned to reconsider their policies in a spirit of international goodwill. This last point, in the light of recent events, was even considered by a section of the House of Commons as going beyond what the dictators through their acts of treachery and dishonesty had any right to expect. The Leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr. Attlee, considered that it did not sufficiently dissociate the Prime Minister, from his former policy of trusting the dictators, a remark to which Mr. Chamberlain took instant exception. What he meant, and what in effect he said, was that in holding the door open for a return to reason and moderation Britain looked for “practical evidence” of reciprocity in that direction. Thus far there has been no evidence whatever. ■The Prime Minister’s speech, in fact, has produced a violent reaction in the German officially-controlled Press, which is using the bogev of “encirclement” to further intensify the critical state of the situation. Signor Mussolini tells the world in general, in effect, to mind its own business.. “The world must know now,” he declares, “that we always forge straight ahead. As yesterday, so tomorrow/ In this highly bellicose atmosphere Britain and France at this hour stand committed to armed intervention should the necessity arise for making good their guarantees of protection to Poland, Rumania, and Greece. The prospect is undoubtedly very grave.