Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1939. IN THE BALANCE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 August 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1939. IN THE BALANCE.

fF a remedy is not quickly found for the ailments affecting Europe, a serious breakdown is indicated, with the consequent inevitability of an appeal to Dr. Mars, whose methods are of the kill, but not cure, variety. International tension is steadily increasing, bearing eloquent witness to the deteriorating effects of what has become known as the “war of nerves.” and, in such circumstances, a comparatively minor incident may lead to a major explosion. Ilope was entertained last week. as a result of The Axis conference. that discussions might be initiated with Poland, in an endeavour to rea’ch a solution of the problems connected with Danzig and the Corridor, but it now seems apparent that Germany is determined to make trouble, it being reported that she has raised the question of her lost territories, and is following her familiar policy of alleging that German minorities are being subjected to atrocities. The tactics being followed by the Nazis are disquietingly similar to those which preceded the annexation of the Sudetenland and other areas. Herr Hit-

ler has repeatedly - proclaimed his desire for peace, but his interpretation of the word evidently means peace by domination. Any attempt to dominate Poland will involve the risk of immediate war. It is apparent that the Fuehrer cannot much longer delay his decision.

Meanwhile, the announcement that Germany has taken military possession of Slovakia is the source of a further crop of war rumours, but these need not necessarily be regarded seriously, in view of the fact that the presence of German troops in Slovakia is not a sudden development. The likelihood of this was realised last March, when Germany, by treaty with Slovakia, undertook to protect the boundaries of the latter for 25 years. The treaty has been followed by a further agreement, the text of which is not disclosed, but which evidently extends the German military zones. Ability to take military possession of Slovakia was obvious, but it is not clear what use Germany intends to make of this “jumping-off” place, and whether an offensive—if one is really contemplated—will be directed against Poland or Hungary. It has repeatedly been reported that Hungary wishes to preserve her neutrality, in the event of war, but Germany has a habit of ignoring such protestations, and may regard Hungarian wishes as negligible. It is said to be no secret that Herr Hitler envisages a future in which the whole of the pre-War Empire of Austria-Hungary -will be under German domination. For economic, as well as- political reasons, he covets what is left of Hungary. The activity of the Foreign Minister (Count Csaky) is a reflection of the nervousness of his countrymen.

If Herr Hitler’s thunder is to be directed against Poland, he will find the Poles a hard nut to crack, even without their declared allies, the British and French. No room for doubt has been left as to these alliances. Speaking for Britain, Mr. Chamberlain has declared: “We have guaranteed to give our assistance to Poland in the ease of a clear threat to her independence, which she considers it vital to resist with her national forces, and we are firmly resolved to carry out this undertaking.” Poland has declared her readiness to enter into negotiations with Germany regarding the status of the Free City; but not.under, a. threat of force. So far as Signor Mussolini is concerned he is reported as being strongly opposed to war, and acting in support of the Pope’s efforts to maintain peace. Fervent hopes will be expressed tliat Germany may be persuaded to see reason. An unfortunate feature of the situation is the apparent failure, of Britain and France, to reach an agreement with Russia. If, as reported from Berlin, Russia and Germany have agreed upon a non-aggression pact, the European situation will be rendered even more critical. Tn a last-minute effort to avert war, the smaller Powers have decided upon a joint appeal, but it is doubtful whether they will carry any decisive influence. Meanwhile, the fate of Europe hangs in the balance.