Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1939. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW.”

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 February 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1939. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW.”

W EEK -END international news is less perturbing than has been the ease for some time, and the stream of developments appears to be running in favour of the Democracies. There is no doubt that Britain and France are growing stronger, whereas there are signs that the Dictators’ troubles are increasing. Internal affairs in Germany are creating more dissension, and the further dismissal of orthodox bankers hints that the financial situation is becoming critical. Food shortage and ill-paid labour are being accepted less passively, and, generally, the Nazi leaders are facing serious problems. Another factor encouraging the belief that peace maintenance prospects are improving, is the unusual reticence regarding Mussolini’s address to the Fascist Council. This speech was well heralded, and was eagerly awaited throughout the world. It is possible that he plans aggression and does not wish to reveal his plans, until ready to strike. The probability is, however, that his policy is, as Air. Chamberlain believes, one of peace, and that the dispute with France will be amicably adjusted. Germany is said to be cheeking Italy against aggression. Whether this report is wellfounded, or not, there is evidence that the “axis” is not running so smoothly as claimed.

The test will come soon, now that Franco is establishing his rule in Spain, with the President and Ministers in flight. It is unlikely that Valencia and Madrid can hold out long, and when these surrender, or even before, the Italians and Germans aiding Franco will be invited to go home. If they insist on remaining, under whatever pretext, Britain and Franco will be compelled to intervene. Until the contrary is proved, it must be assumed that Mussolini will honour his promises, and withdraw from an enterprise that has cost Italy so much, and which has failed to arouse enthusiasm among the Italian people. Another source of concern to Mussolini, must be the developments in Yugoslavia, where the pro-Fas-cist Ministry has had to resign, in favour of a more democratic combination.

In the Western hemisphere, Mr. Roosevelt has explained to the Press that he did not mean all what was implied from his comments on U.S.A, aid to the Democracies. A vigorous controversy is progressing, but nobody will be any the worse. The President has given a warning, which has served its purpose, and has already had ramifications. Italian Press comments on the Presidency have passed the bounds of decency, and the official protest will be accompanied by the American people’s indignation. The incident at Panama when an Italian “goodwill” visit met with hostility, was another straw showing the wind’s direction. The Dictators must realise that if they start war, they must take U.S.A, intervention against them, as a probability. On the whole, the international situation is improving, and although a “crisis” is always possible, the immediate outlook warrants optimism that peace will be maintained.