HAS APPEASEMENT FAILED?

Evening Star, Issue 23122, 23 November 1938, Page 10

HAS APPEASEMENT FAILED?

Fjuendshii’S of one day may become hatreds of tho next. So it appears in the experience of Germany and Great Britain. A few weeks ago Mr Neville Chamberlain returned from Munich bearing his sheaves with him. Ho was acclaimed as tho ' representative hero and statesman of his nation; he was the man who, by his courage and wisdom, had staved offithe greatest catastrophe that had ever threatened the world: his policy of appeasement had paved the way to world peace. From the first there have been many who doubted, many who hesitated to believe that reliance could bo placed upon Nazi promises. They inclined to Mr Eden’s point of view. They wore persuaded “ that a man who had had his way by thumping his fist on tho table would go on adopting that method until lie was told as bluntly as possible that he must*stop.” Nevertheless, expressions of admiration for Mr Chamberiain’s efforts and gratitude for liis success have continued to arrive, and no one could doubt their sincerity. On the other hand, disbelief in the policy of appeasement has been just as persistent. Last week the Bridgewater by-election was won by Mr Vernon Bartlett, the well-known journalist. “ This,” said the successful candidate, “is quite definitely a defeat for the Chamberlain policy and a victory for the Eden policy.” But the greatest blow to appeasement has been dealt by tho Nazis. Their outrageous treatment of the Jews has elicited wide condemnation, and all belief in pacific measures seems to have been shattered. Mr Chamberlain must be a terribly disappointed man. Will he continue to retain his confidence in the ultimate success of his policy? Members of his Cabinet are divided in opinion regarding it. Sir Thomas Inskip believes that Mr Chamberlain’s effort undoubtedly was right, and that events will not deter him from pursuing his policy. Lord Zetland is despondent. “1 had hoped,” he says, “that the Munich agreement had opened a new chapter in human history, but recent events in Germany have rudely shaken my hopes.” American opinion, too, is, hardening into hatred of Nazi brutality and disbelief in Mr Chamberlain’s methods. In Germany, the change is more pronounced. The Berlin correspondent of ‘ Tho Times ’ speaks of the growing anti-British attitude of Germany. Heisays it is symptomatic of a permanent change in the German foreign policy. Even Hitler himself now doubts the practicability of a foreign policy that is based on a long-range principle of friendship with Britain. The principle of appeasement appears to have failed. Can a policy of peace and humanity be successful with a people who themselves spurn to bo peaceful or humane in their dealings with tho defenceless Jews? The Nazis do not seem to understand the moaning of toleration and justice when they come to deal with other people. But it will be a sad thing if the rejoicings of yesterday have now to bo changed into defiances and cursings. Notwithstanding the disturbing outlook at the moment, it will still bo hoped that the Nazis may bo impressed with tho reactions In Britain and America, and that the world may bo saved from a war of incredible ferocity.