Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16th., 1933. GERMANY’S CHALLENGE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1933, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16th., 1933. GERMANY’S CHALLENGE.

GERMANY’S decision to withdraw from the League of Nations and from the Disarmament Conference, is reported to have taken the Powers by surprise, but this is difficult to credit, as such a contingency was always likely, if the German demands were not granted. Germany does not want actual war, and is probably risking the issue of serious consequences in Iho belief that every other nation, if willing to wound is yet afraid to strike, the lesson of the 1.914-18 struggle being that war is disastrous to victor and loser alike. However, calm and calculating reason does not always prevail when national passions are aroused, and it will require moderation and patience in international councils, if calamity is to be avoided.

The fact that the ex-Allies are united makes the outlook for peace brighter, as such unity must influence the German leaders. They are playing a dangerous game, but expect to obtain, by it some concessions not otherwise probable. Hitler, having won such great victory at home, may think he can pick up, similar laurels abroad, or it may be that he has little option in his foreign aggressive policy, being forced to defy the world, by the German Junkers and militarists whose egotism and belief in their invincibility has revived since the armistice was signed. These people do not believe that Germans were beaten by the Allies, so much as by internal dissensions, the removal of which opens the door to a glorious retaliation for the Versailles Treaty. As for the German Press support of Hitler’s latest challenge, and the forthcoming plebiscite, these are of little value, seeing that freedom of expression of opinion is not permitted in Germany, unless favourable to the Government.

It would be foolish to assert that Germany has no cause for grievance. The Versailles Treaty provided that the disarming of Germany should be duly followed by the disarming of her conquerors. That has not yet happened, Britain alone having taken any serious steps in that direction. So disappointed is Britain at the absence of response (o her example, that she has decided lo strengthen her defence forces. Germany cannot be blamed for wishing to re-arm. if her neighbours are all becoming stronger than before. The weakness of her rase is I hat she demands too much, expect ing her ex-foes to place themselves, immediately, on the same level as herself. This self-abnega-I ion is beyond reasonable request, particularly in view of the warlike speeches of German leaders, and their many threats of what, the new Germany is going to do, when ready- The question now before international statesmen is whether.

they will make a further attempt to

limit armaments—which means

future .peace,—or whether a free-for-all will replace the League and Disarmament Conference, —which means certain war. Their task is not to be envied, and.their respective nations need to be as patient as their delegates. At Whitehall, it is stated there is no reason for London to get excited. That applies with greater force to Overseas.