The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1939. AN EXTRAORDINARY PEACE PROPOSAL

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 12, 9 October 1939, Page 8

The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1939. AN EXTRAORDINARY PEACE PROPOSAL

None will dispute Herr Hitler’s assertion that there is no true statesman who does not wish for a peace which “will really lead to a flourishing European life.” But what has been his own contribution toward this wholly desirable object? The world has known no peace since he came into power in 19*33. For six years he has pursued a campaign persecution, violence and aggression. He has contemptuously brushed aside the protests this campaign has evoked, and ignored the warnings of the inevitable consequences of his policy. He has been convicted by the public opinion of the world of the grossest lies and treachery. He has sneered at international conferences as “assemblies of chatterboxes.” He shamefully violated the solemn agreement reached at the one conference he has ever-been induced to attend—at Munich. By his own deliberate act he has precipitated another European war. And now he has the effrontery to suggest a peace conference. The sum and substance of his remarks on this proposal to the Allies amount in effect to this: “Agree to a peace conference on the conditions dictated by me, or take the consequences.” The prelude to this proposition is a mass of misrepresentation and exaggeration concerning the causes of the war. There is not a single statement made by Herr Hitler in this connexion that cannot be completely disproved by the documented facts of the case. In numerous instances, as testified in verbatim extracts from his speeches, he has been convicted out of his own mouth of the most glaring contradictions and inconsistencies. Numerous examples had already been printed in these columns to show that no reliance whatever can be placed on his word.

Having already destroyed the peace, prosperity, and independence of two European States, Herr Hitler now proposes a peace. which will safeguard individual nations.” Having by his own policy precipitated a colossal international rearmament competition, he now declares that “there must be limitation of armaments to a reasonable degree.” Having instituted unrestricted submarine warfare on neutral as well as Allied shipping, he now says that the use of submarines must be regulated. What possible security can there be in any agreement concluded with a political leader with such a record of inconsistency and treachery, whose utterances so obviously are prompted, not by principle, but by ulterior motive? In proclaiming his desire for peace, Herr Hitler urges that the nations “should come together at once.” He bases his plea for urgency on the desire to avoid further sacrifices and destruction, and suggests that hostilities should be suspended immediately in order that the peace conference preparations may be commenced. The voice of past experience of dealings with the head of the Nazi regime should warn all concerned to look for the motive. Why is he so anxious to end the war now? Obviously, despite his boastful prediction of ultimate victory for the German armies, because he fears the future. He must know that the Allies have established their supremacy on the sea and in the air. The German submarine offensive is already showing signs of collapse. German shipping has been swept from the seas. The Allied armies are on German soil, avoiding costly offensives, and maintaining a steady and continuous pressure all along the line.

Herr Hitler’s motive is thus clear. Fearing defeat, he is urging peace, an “unconditional peace.” But what of Poland and Czechoslovakia? The Polish problem, he says, may be “discussed” by the peace conference, but it must be “solved” by Germany arid Russia without interference. Such a reservation is incompatible with his proposal for an “unconditional peace.” The only mention of the other victim of Nazi aggression is the preposterous lie that “Czechoslovakia herself had expressed a wish for incorporation.” As for Austria, the invasion and annexation of that country is merely referred to as “the completion of the Anschluss.” In short, the very questions that Europe and the world have been most concerned about are expressly excluded from the sphere of the proposed conference. Herr Hitler is attempting to foist upon the Allies a peace of expediency which would enable the robber to retain his blood-stained spoils. Europe and the world want a peace which will restore law and justice in international dealings and safeguard future generations against the nightmare of the constant threats and terrorism which the Nazi ambitions, methods, and policy have inflicted on civilization. For this lasting and righteous peace this Dominion in company with the rest of the Empire and her Allies will fight on to the end.