Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18th., 1934. SAAR INCIDENT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 December 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18th., 1934. SAAR INCIDENT.

JT is unfortunate that a British > official should have been a principal in the Saarbruckcn affray, seeing’ that British statesmen have of late been somewhat boastful of the high ideals and peace-loving policy dominating the national attitude. Varying versions of the affair have been supplied, the official account minimising the incident, whereas the Press stories are making the most of the happening. z\t the moment, it looks as if the after-effects of a visit to a night club led to unseemly indifference to the safety of others, and that the British officer acted indiscreetly, at a time when it was imperative to avoid giving the Saar populace cause for offence. Mr. Knox, the' Commissioner, has promised full investigation, and punishment for the guilty, and there is no reason to believe that he will have undue respect for persons, what-j ever their nationality. It is emphasised that the affray had no political significance, and, in itself, that is 'obvious. The legacy left from it, however, may have serious results. Already an anti-British campaign is announced, and Nazi extremists will use the incident for all it is worth, to influence voters in the forthcoming plebiscite. As propaganda or as excuse for their own excesses,' the Nazis have been given effective material, and it would appear that the best counter-action would be prompt efforts by the authorities to convince, the Saar populace that no attempt to browbeat them, will be permitted, whether from foreign contingents or Nazis. In one sense, the British are as trustees whilst in the Saar, and it is essential that the sense of responsibility should be maintained at its fullest by all British officials. It would be ironic if those whose mission it is to keep the peace, should be the means of adding to the local dissensions. It is to be hoped that subsequent experiences in the Saar will convince the inhabitants of British sincerity, and that strict precautions will be taken to have no repetition of the Justice affair. For the short period the foreign contingents are to remain in the Saar, it would be no hardship to them, if hilarious night clubs were put out of bounds, especially for officers when carrying revolvers.

ITALY & ABYSSINIA. is to Italy something like what Manchukuo whs to Japan. Italy is unlikely to be ■ satisfied until she lias established her protectorate over Abyssinia, and has wiped out the memory of the serious defeat of Italian troops by the Abyssinians in the early years of this century. Italian territory adjoins Abyssinia, and the Italians would probably be glad of any reasonable excuse to move inward. Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that a strong attitude is being adopted by Italy towards the Ethiopian appeal to the League of Nations against alleged Italian frontier aggression. Italy refuses to admit wrong-doing, but on the contrary claims that Abyssinian raiders were the offenders, and demands an indemnity and apology, and refuses arbitration. ,Will the League act any stronger against Italy than it did against Japan? It is doubtful. Italy’s more friendly relations with France will permit, a settlement of North African questions that have been in dispute between France and Italy for many years, and it may be that Italy feels the day has come when she can safely move against Abyssinia, which has not many friends. The Japanese were reported to be taking unusual interest in Abyssinia, both in trade and diplomacy, efforts being made to promote marriages between Abyssinian princes and Japanese girls. Italy is suspicious of the new •friendship, and may think it desirable to act early. Britain has certain interests in the matter, but so long as her treaty-rights are respected, it is unlikely that she. would intervene to prevent Italian ambitions being satisfied. Italy, of course, is much stronger now than she was when she last fought the Abyssinians, and were an appeal to arms made, there would, be little doubt of an Italian victory.