LONDON TOPICS

Evening Star, Issue 23270, 19 May 1939, Page 11

LONDON TOPICS

HITLER'S ASTUTE BID

GAME OF BLUFF CHECKED—HOW LONG? THE HOUSE AHD THE BUDGET [From Oor Correspondent.] [By Air Mail.] May 4. To meet an unprecedented peacetime expenditure of practically a thousand millions sterling, including possibly more than £630,000,000 for defence . alone. Sir John Simon has turned to motorists, smokers, sugar consumers, above-two-thousand-a-year surtaxables, and even amateur photographers. He leaves the. income taxpayers severely alone, possibly because a decline in revenue under that head ominously suggests the inexorable operation of the law of diminishing returns. Now is the time to buy a cheap second-hand car if you can afford to pay the new h.p. and petrol taxes. Sir John’s law court experience in handling intricate financial cases stood him in good stead when outlining, to a completely congested House of Commons, the astronomical totals of our national balance sheet. Possibly never before have so many famous economists been assembled check by jowl under one roof as adorned the Distinguished Strangers Gallery. No doubt they came in the sadistic desire to watch a mere amateur like the Chancellor of the Exchecjuer struggle with an economic Gordian knot. -V . . , Almost simultaneously with Hitler s Reichstag oration the club tape machines recorded a prompt reaction of rising prices on the Stock Exchange, that infallible financial barometer cf weltpolitik tension. There would be no disposition in London to deride the German Chancellor’s friendly protestations, if past experiences cou d assure us that they were sincerely meant. The comment in well-in-formed quarters is that ior the moment a groat and hazardous game of bluff' has been checked by a formidable array of anti-aggression strength. But that no mistake could be more disastrous than to relax efforts now for a democratic entente in deference to what is undoubtedly an astute bid by Hitler to recapture our Munich appeasement mood. “ Mein Kampf remains as abiding testimony, so far methodically vindicated, to Hitler s firm ambitions, and if he has teinporarily had to call a halt to the latter we may be sure it is in deference to something more persuasive than an umbrella. MILITARY POINT OF VIEW. From a purely military point of view, and putting aside all political considerations, the Government s

tional service plan is intelligently conceived. It combines with the existing Territorial Army system, but with the added security of compulsion, something of the old militia idea. The militia served this country through many centuries splendidly as an Army reserve, and many distinguished soldiers deplored its abolition under the Haldane reforms, A few months’ intensive grounding with the Regular Army, without seriously interfering with any youngster’s civilian career, followed by a term of,, years with a Territorial battalion or battery, should help immensely to remove the C 3 reproach from our national physique. At the same time, while giving us immediately the full quota of Territorial establishment urgently required to enable us to fulfil our mutual anti-aggression obligations, it will also build up in a few years a potential effective Army reserve on approximately the Continental scale. ULSTER AND CONSCRIPTION. Lord Craigavon has bravely welcomed conscription in Northern Ireland. though it has not yet been decided whether the London Government’s proposals are to apply to Ulster. Some at least, while appreciating the forthrightness of the northern Premier's support, have doubts regarding the Northern Irish situation. Ulster contains a strong anti-JBritish minority which will oppose conscription a I’outrance, so that political differences may become accentuated to the discomfort of everybody. And in the end, when conscription is actually forced, it is equally certain that all the malcontents of conscript age and fitness will skip across the border into Eire. it may be, however, that Lord Craigavon would welcome the diminution of a malcontent and dangerous element thus brought about. It may be also that, in the Irish way, many of the malcontents, having jumped the border, will join as volunteers! This reminds me of a conversation of a friend with a prominent public man in Dublin. “Of course,” said this statesman, “ we’ll bo neutral. But, of course, ye’ll get all the Irish soldiers ye want.” FACTS ABOUT AIR WAR. Any notion that A.R.P. is a temporary institution must be entirely abandoned. Our highest military experts now regard it as the fourth Hue of permanent defence behind our three fighting services. Naturally in the case of this island kingdom A.R.P. is mainly, if not wholly, concerned with air attack. Expert anticipation is that the latter will not be chiefly directed, as is so generally accepted, against London and other big population centres. U is much more certain to be .directed against aeroplane factories, munition works, power stations, and transport junctions. Official observers in Spain have calculated that each bombing plane raiding an urban area averages about 70 casualties, of whom 17 are killed, 17 walking cases, and the remainder stretcher cases. Probably these figures exaggerate if anything what might be expected here, because our defence equipment is much superior to most existing in Spain.

“ DESTROYING ” LONDON. We have had gloomy pictures drawn of the probable destruction of London. It is instructive to apply the deductions based on expert observation in Spain to London. As a matter of simple mathematical calculation, supposing 100 enemy bombers raided London continually day and night, on the average of the destruction accomplished in Spain it .would take over a quarter of a century to destroy London. Germany has probably not more than 2,000 effective bombers, and as casualties to air bombers would certainly be heavy these calculations serve to put even the worst prospect in a true perspective. At 15,000 ft, which is rather lower than bombers may be expected to fly, it is impossible to be sure of getting a projective nearer than 400yds from the target. But this uncertainty is to some extent offset by squadrons adopting tactics similar to the bracketing of a gun battery. R.A.F. RESEARCH. Sir Henry Tizard, rector of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, has relinquished his position for a period of one year in order to take charge of R.A.F. research. This is an augury of the energy with which the Government is tackling this important matter. Sir Henry has been chairman of the Aeronautical Research Committee since 1933, and only recently in the House of Commons Sir Kingsley Wood paid a glowing tribute to his valuable assistance. During the Great War Sir Henry was a lieutenant-colonel and assistant controller of R.A.F. experiments and research, so his latest appointment is most appropriate. Before becoming rector of the Imperial College Sir Henry was the permanent secretary of the Department of Scientific anil Industrial Research. He is a great organiser and brimful of energy. He is only 53. PENETRATION. It is not without a feeling of bitterness and shame that one reads Mr G. L. Steer’s remarkable revelations of German penetration in South-west Africa as marshalled in I)is new book, ‘ Judgment on German Africa.’ His accumulation of evidence of the development of Nazi doctrines, often imposed upon Germans in the mandated area by means of threats, and directed by a Consul-General who “ even reprimands Germen barmen for allowing criticism of Hitler over a glass of beer,” raises anew the question whether democratic leaders in the .dominions are to permit themselves to be lulled while dangers gather, just as demo-' crats in Europe dismally failed to read the signs. The Nazi movement in Africa is not, strictly speaking, the direct concern of Whitehall, but without doubt the dominions and Colonial Offices bear a moral and national obligation to exert influence to counter the risk of sudden annexation of the mandated territory—which, once in German hands, must “inevitably become a new factor militating against Imperial defence. Mr Steer’s account of agitation in the minds ot whites and natives is a painful incentive to Britain to act ere it is too late. KEY DIPLOMATIC POST. It was hoped that for once age-limit rules would be ignored, and Sir Ronald Lindsay, our retiring Ambassador in Washington, have had his term extended. He does not court publicity, so people in this country know little about him. But in the opinion of those best able to judge he lias been the most successful Washington Ambassador we ever had, and the present position of Anglo-American relationship is confirmation. Moreover, this is a moment when any change in the conduct of these relations may be an undesirable handicap On the other hand, Lord Lothian, the new Ambassador, is an enthusiastic believer in the doctrine that a sincere and close understanding between the two Atlantic democracies is the best security for the peace and progress of the whole world. He is associated with a powerful private group which lias great influence behind the Whitehall scones, and personally has had much experience of the working of the Government machine. He and his friends have been active in the past in pursuing the policy of German appease-

ment. Their views have probably been modified by events. Yet it is doubtful whether his appointment will greatly impress American opinion, is the official desire. That impression would have been secured instantly if Lord Baldwin has been the nominee.

CHARLES O’MALLEY UP TO DATE. General Sir Alexander Godley’s ‘ Life of an Irish Soldier ’ is an autobiography in the rollicking Charles Lever style. But it does more than narrate incidents of a career distinguished in sport and war. It throws considerable light, from a peculiarly helpful angle, on some vita) current affairs. Thus Sir Alexander, when he was O.C. on the Rhine, was much impressed by the pronounced pro-German attitude of influential people at home in London. Ramsay MacDonald was not, however, among these peace time defeatists. How dearly we are paying to-day for their puerilities. After a British Labour delegation visited the Ruhr, Mr Adamson told Sir Alexander the comfortable conditions there, compared with some industrial centres at home, made his blood boil. But that delegation’s report was suppressed. He also tells us that the Irish rebellion was practically petering out when Whitehall threw up the sponge. He observes that threatening letters and writing on the wall at Chequers “ seem to have been too much for the nerves of the British Government!” -

General Godley’s chief enthusiasm as a soldier was mounted infantry, which Haig, whom he nevertheless much admires, as a typical cavalryman did his best to squash. He was a military godfather, too, of New Zealand’s magnificent fighting legions. -He has no sympathy with L.G. s attempt to place the British Army under Nivelle, which he attributes to the fact that Nivelle’s flamboyaucy resembled L.G.’s own. Rather naively he quotes with pride, apropos Passchendcele’s tragedy, a captured German officer’s dictum that no troops in the world except the English would have attempted an offensive under such conditions. ’ That may be a tribute to rank and file valour, but it scorns a backhanded compliment to the Higher Command. Sir Alexander has a pretty reminiscence about the soldier’s fondness for pets. As a junior subaltern witli the Dublin Fusiliers he recalls an occasion when they had to move to the Curragh. Battalion orders were duly issued, with a concluding paragraph; “ Dogs will make their own arrangements-” I must quote one more incident from this readable book. King George V. visited General Godley at Flexicourt during the western front fighting. “ When he came into the chateau after the parade 1 ushered him into a room to wash his hands, and shut the door. Fortunately I stayed within bearing, as I shortly heard him hammering on the door and shouting for help to get out, as there was no handle on the inside. He was much amused, and said it had happened to him once before on a train in India, when he was shut into the lavatory for one and a-half hours! In after years whenever we met lI.M. never failed to remind mo of the incident!” One cannot help imagining how the Kaiser would have comported himself in such a dilemma. Sir Alexander’s account of breaking the armistice news to troops it] the line recalls vividly the cynicism of our khaki warriors. “ I am bound to say it excited little interest or enthusiasm. They were very shy of canteen rumours, and ge.i • ra!lv asked if il. was official !”

NAZI DEGREES.

Time was when a German university degree was good enough for anything. But its academic prestige is slumping heavily under the Hitler regime. This is not entirely due to the weakening of the professorial staffs owing to intrigues whereby less competent assistants often manage to succeed distinguished seniors. Though necessarily this in itself, which is well known throughout the academic world, is not enhancing Germany’s university prestige. The real trouble, however, is another scandal. It has been intimated to university authorities in Germany, and the resultant protests carefully hushed up, that when members of the Nazi party sit for examination they must be passed through without too rigorous tests as to their academic attainments. Necessarily this fact, which has become well known even outside Germany, is having disastrous results on- German degrees. These may shortly possess no more value than one of those American degrees granted on forwarding the reouisito fees, plus some sort of thesis. Germans are themselves seeking a foreign university degree now. NOTABLE ACADEMY. Most people agree, difficult though that is where questions of art ai-e concerned, that the Royal Academy 171st summer exhibition is the most entertaining for some years. There seems to be more variety both of subject and treatment than usual and the Hanging Committee has admirably blended ancient and modern art representation on the walls of Burlington House. There are some spirited seascapes, including tall ships labouring in deep waters and one windjammer signalling for a pilot at night. Richard Lunch gives us a breezy glimpse of a bolent fort but a seafaring eye might be oppressed by the prospect ot an imminent collision in the foreground. Somehow the landscapes, which are more numerous and pleasing than usual, have a special charm. Perhaps the mind tortured by turbulent weltpolitik more gratefully loses itself m contemplation of Nature serenely and subtlj portrayed. Sir William L'ewejbn has two charming landscapes, Gerald Kelly a truly majestic mountain scene, C. M. Gere an alluring view of Rudge Hill from Painswick, Laura Knight a haivest panorama which is almost, masterly, and last, but not least, Lamorna Birch a haunting study of ‘ Lamorna Gove.’ All the familiar practitioners have portraits of varying objective beauty. By far the best are Laura Knight s vi'vid studies of intensive gipsy types. Yet nothing could really be better than Sir William Rothenstein’s And xet Again,’ which is an incredibly clever self-portrait. Mr Francis Hodge has painted the King in naval uniform with a battleship background. An admirable portrait is -A. R. Thomsons Flight-lieutenant Grant-Ferns, M.P., in airman’s costume. _ Sir Jomi Lavery’s Lady Wimborne is clever, but displays curious flesh tints. A captivating portrait is Alethea Harcourt s ‘ Miss Margaret Marriott,’ in colour and feeling a delightful study of a delightful subject. A great character portrait is Gilroy’s study 1 The Ringmaster,’ in which stiff evening dress accentuates the circus personality. Mr Gunn has painted the Prime Munster to the life, but minus his umbrella, and Mr Birley has canvassed Earl Baldwin with great fidelity. Incidentally Mr Elwes has a portrait of. Queen Mary which in its realism borders on lose majeste. Mr Gunn’s portrait of Hilaire Belloc is a masterpiece of dramatic characterisation. CONTROVERSIAL? There are several novelties in the show. Among these may be included the first art close-up of an electric pylon, an opulent study of a show fat lady, a gentleman, with pint mug complete, playing darts, and Mr George Belcher’s life-like study of some sausages cooking. Air Russell I lint is well to the fore among the nudes, and gives us one delightful brace of flappers, a blonde and a brunette, solemnly admiring their own contours. A lady has painted that familia.classic the Rape of the Sabines, an. impressive feature of which is the apparent lack of any determined reluctance on the part of the Sabines. Mr Charles CundaH’s picture of the Queen . Elizabeth’s launching achieves drama. A large picture of Louisa Hodgson, which is on the line in one of the main salons, may cause rather a, rumpus. It is called ‘ The Nativity,’ one of the oldest themes in pictorial art. but the treatment really appears to be satirical. The craftsmanship, is exquisite, but all the characters.

mother, babe, father, and worshipping Magi, are, like the room, conventionally modern and somewhat repellantly amusing. RESCUE. A great many people will refuse to believe this story. I can only say that I was eye-witness - to the details, and that no Eastern fakir had put me under hypnotic suggestion. A big Persian cat climbed a tree in the next-but-one garden. Having arrived at the top, the Persian lost its nerve, as cats will, and started mewing piteously. Just as human rescue parties were being suggested, with the aid of ladders, a much smaller cat —a brown-and-white British tom —started to climb that tree. Having got as far as the “ treed ” Persian, the rescuer placed his forepaws, round the latter’s flanks. The Persian, still mewing,, glanced back. Then, as though acting on positive instructions, the Persian started to back down the tree, always with its flanks touching the. 'tom’s head and forepaws. It was a simultaneous downward swarm' or wriggle. In this fashion the two furry objects slowly reached the lower branches of the tree, where the rescuer jumped down, and the Persian followed suit, making off forthwith to its own demesnes. After this I can believe anything of eats.