Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th., 1936. MAKING THE BEST OF IT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 June 1936, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th., 1936. MAKING THE BEST OF IT.

’J’IIE continuance of Sanctions against Italy must lead to war, and under the circumstances, Bri-

tain is wise to agree to “grasping the thistle.’’ The decision may not be palatable, but as the Chancellor of the Exchequer said recently, it is eommonsense. The Sanctionists missed their opportunity when they refused to take drastic action against Italy in the early stages of the Abyssinian campaign. Britain then announced that she was prepared to go as far as the others, and she gave a lead that was costly to her, and not without risk, but the other countries would not venture. Any “shame” that may be felt to-day at Italy’s success, is not due to Britain.

The Cabinet’s reported decision to abandon Sanctions will be .supported by the great majority in the Empire, but the Opposition and ultra-Paeifists will protest. These

people have demanded the strongest action against Italy, since the invasion of Abyssinia started, but on the other hand, they oppose British re-armament and the strengthening of the Forces. They preach against recruiting and discourage men from joining even the Territorials. They condemn the calling off of Sanctions as condoning Italian offences, but when

asked if they would fight if worse war followed, they evade the issue, or reply in the negative. “A dictator who is not afraid to lose his head.” declared one Commoner recently. “will always win against politicians who are afraid to lose their seats. It applies to all parties. The League Covenant would never rule the world so long as men were not prepared in the last resort to

fight for it and even to die for it.” Overseas opinion will be generally in favour of accepting to-day’s situation, South Africa being a possible objector. She sees in the Italian encroachment a danger to I her own safety. General Smuts is for defiance of Italy. Commenting 1 recently, he said:—“ln the awful) perplexities and dangers which 1 face the world to-day I am for do-1

ing’ the straight thing. Th;il is 1o stand loyally behind the League until Italy is compelled to make peace within the terms of the Covenant. If the Sanctions policy cannot be strengthened, it should at least be carried onion the present basis until the very end. It the members of the League have the courage to do this, not only will the League he saved, but in my opinion the peace of the world will be maintained for many years to come." This may be magnificent but it is not practical politics. Following such advice, would fling Italy into the German camp.

In any case it is not Britain alone who will decide as to the continuance of Sanctions. All the League Members will have a say, although it may be assumed that the majority will jump at the opportunity to get rid of dangerous responsibilities. After all. persistence in Sanctions would do little good io Abyssinia, and would do harm to the efforts to strengthen the League, and to preserve European peace. None knows what Germany is going to do, the situation is worse between the Little Entente and Austria, struggles are more acute between dictators and de-

mocracies, and France is torn by internal dissensions. It seems clear that in any move against Italy, Britain would be left to carry most of the burden. The cause of peace is better served by readjustment of the League policy towards Italy, than by revengeful challenge to invite war. Italy is in no position to dictate, and the abandonment of Sanctions does not mean that she •will have a free hand, in or out of Abyssinia.