Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1939. DANGER AHEAD ?

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 June 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1939. DANGER AHEAD ?

F J’IME in its onward march fails to bring any indication of an early restoration of that mutual confidence among nations which is essential if Europe is to progress peacefully' 1 ; on the contrary, the situation has been described by M. Daladier as being the worst for twenty years. Thousands of Germans are reported to be entering Danzig, and fears- are expressed that Herr Hitler has in contemplation a sudden coup with the object of forcing Poland to yield to Nazi demands. The Poles have more than once announced their determination to resist any attempt at German domination, and in this lies the danger, for if Poland deems it necessary to defend her independence by military measures, Britain and France are committed by their guarantees to go at once to her assistance. In that case, it cannot be doubted that Europe would quickly be divided into opposing camps, thus beginning a struggle compared with which the Gre_at War would be no longer entitled to that description. M. Daladier has declared that France, and consequently Britain, face a choice between peaceful collaboration among peoples, or domination by some of them. The democracies arc ready to agree to the former, but are daily strengthening their forces, in order to resist to the utmost anyone who chooses the course of aggression. In a characteristic speech, Mr. Churchill has expressed views similar to those of the French Prime Minister, and he predicts that the European tension will become most severe during the coming three months. If last year’s history repeats itself, September should be the decisive month, but, as Mr. Churchill points out, the

conditions will on this occasion be changed, as a result of the guarantees to Poland. The tremendous rearmament policy undertaken by Britain during the past year gives proof that the lessons of Munich have been taken to heart; once bitten, she will be twice shy of Hitlerian promises. The Nazis have no doubt realised that the umbrella is not the sole symbol, to be connected with Britain. Much depends upon the strength of Poland. For instance, if the latter lost control of Danzig, it would be possible for Germany to send troops into East Prussia, dominate the Baltic provinces, encircle Poland, take Upper Silesia, and advance into the Ukraine. Poland

would be ruled as completely as is now the case with Bohemia and Moravia, where the Czech Government is merely a figurehead. Demands would probably follow not only for Roumanian oil and Adriatic ports, but for Alsace-Lorraine and Antwerp. There are good reasons for the guarantees given by Britain and France to Poland and other nations, and Herr Hitler should realise that they will be fulfilled. The latest speech made by Lord Halifax removes any doubt on this point. It is evident that the British Government is still hoping that Germany will heed, before it is too , . , 11 n . JI

late, the call or reason, and thus avert a crisis. The Note delivered in Berlin dearly re-states the policy of Britain, and gives a definite denial to the allegations of “encirclement.” The guarantees undertaken by Britain and France will only become operative in the event of unprovoked aggressive acts against the guaranteed countries, by Germany. Thus, the onus of keeping peace in Europe is placed upon the shoulders of Herr Hitler and his axis /partner. If they adopt the policy of force, it will be met by similar measures. The British attitude is eminently reasonable— “the establishment of Anglo-German relations on the basis of mutual recognition of the needs of both countries, with due

regard to other nations.” It is to be hoped that this latest gesture of goodwill by the British Government will be met in a similar spirit by Germany, in spite of the recent tone .'of statements , made by Nazi leaders such as Dr. Goebbels. If Germany really desires a •‘clear and categorical understanding,” the way is now open for discussions with a view to se-

curing it. Meanwhile, Britain’s patience in the Far East, in face of extreme provocation, appears likely to be rewarded, there being a prospect that the talks at Tokio, which are expected to open next week, will result in the removal of the existing' difficulties with Japan.