Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1934 EUROPEAN PEACE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 September 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1934 EUROPEAN PEACE.

’J’HEItE has been an absence lately of war preparation rumours from Europe, but the meetings of the League of Nations -have resumed at Geneva, and the alarums may start afresh. It may be claimed that the atmosphere in which the delegates re-assemble is more pacific. the threat, of hostilities brought so close by recent events in Germany and Austria, having given a salutary check to those inclined to be aggressive. No country desires war, and the probability that a conflict would be difficult to localise, makes all the Great Powers willing to discuss, at least, the best methods of peace-preservation. The League’s prestige has slumped of late years, but it may well be that a revival will be a result of the present Geneva, gatherings.

Russia’s absence from the ' League has always been, considered regrettable, and with U.S.A.’s aloofness, and the withdrawal of Japan and Germany it appeared that the League would go under, or, at best, become a mere skeleton of* what was hoped would be a live body. Chiefly due to French influence, Russia is now willing to •join the League she has, hitherto, bitterly denounced. Some nations would prefer Russia to keep out, owing to the fear* that she will prove-a disturbing element, but it I has been agreed by the Powers that a place on the League Council should be offered to Russia. The decision is important, and the effect of Russian membership will be awaited with great interest. Japan may decide to withdraw her re-

signation. Germany too, may repent her hasty decision, thus, leaving the U.S.A, as the only outsider. Apart from the League’s better prospects, the European peace outlook has considerably improved by the happier relations between France and Italy, two nations so often at loggerheads. outrages have cost Germany the support of Mussolini, whose policy has veered

I in a. pro-French direction. France, scared by German determination to recover some of her former glories, is now more willing to negotiate with Italy, on the questions dividing the two Governments. These matters have reference to; North Africa and .naval armaments. The latter will depend upon the extent of other,Powers’ programmes, and the former on (1) The delimitation of the frontiers between Libya and the French Central African possessions. (2) The nationality of Italians in Tunisia. Negotiations are in progress for a ten-years ’ treaty on these matters, and the prospects of a successful conclusion are reported to be bright. A difficulty in the way of a solution of the frontier question lies in the ownership of the Tibcsti 1 Mountain region, lying between French and Italian territories. Thib potentially rich and fertile region is claimed by both‘sides. Britain, which has just concluded an.agreement with Italy on Sudan frontier questions, is offering her friendly offices to bring about a FrancoItalian agreement. There is cause for greater optimism regarding the European situation, generally, and unless Germany runs amok, — and the acute domestic situation may tempt Hitler to desperate action abroad—the outlook for peacepreservation is better than it has I been for years. Another opportunity is being given to the international peace-makers.