Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1939. IN HITLER’S HANDS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1939. IN HITLER’S HANDS.

REGARDED from the viewpoint of the history of the world, a quarter of a century is a matter of moments, yet much world history can be made in that brief period. The past twenty-five years have brought great changes in their train, and in few directions have these been so important as in the sphere of international politics. Who, for instance, at the outbreak of the Great. War in 1914, would have cared to prophesy that, in 1939, two of Britain’s allies —Italy and Japan—would be found on the side of Germany, while another —Russia —if not actually with Germany, is not against her. Tie would have been unpopular who ventured to predict that, a comparatively few years after the conclusion of the “war 1o end war,” the world would bo faced by the danger of an even-greater conflict. One of i he most-incongruous of the pre-sent-day developments is the association of Russia and Germany in a pact, of non-aggression, the agreement reached between the Xazis and those whom they formerly condemned as Bolshevists being a vivid illustration of the strides which diplomacy may ac-

complish for the sake of expediency. The, official announcement regarding the signing of the pact removes all doubt on that score. If the German viewpoint is corret, the fourth article will prevent Russia joining the democracies, but it may be argued, on the other hand, that what has become known as the “peace front” is not directed against Germany, and that, therefore, Russia is still at liberty to conclude an alliance with Britain and France. The first article provides for non-aggres-sion as between the signatories, but there is apparently no provision to restrain Germany from embarking upon' a policy of aggression against, say, Poland. Previous reports quoted Russian officials as emphasising that a clause would be inserted, whereby the pact would be nullified in the event of either signatory attacking a third Power. It is. quite understandable that M. Molotov should be “embarrassed,” when the French representative asked for an explanation of the pact. It is,also evident that Japanese faith in German sincerity has received a rude shock, while the pact is regarded by Spain as releasing her from any obligations to the AntiComintern Pact. Whatever the real meaning of the agreement, however, Britain and France have clearly emphasised that , its conclusion in no way affects their determination to resist with all forces’any act of aggression in Europe. Mr. Chamberlain’s speech has given further point to the British attitude.

In view of the tragic role forced upon Belgium in the Great War, it is appropriate that King Leopold shoiild act as the mouthpiece for the smaller nations, who may be involved if another outbreak occurs. In the course of his broadcast, he referred to the consequences of war on all the participants, and suggested that it was still not too late for negotiation. It is doubtful, however, whether Herr Hitler can at this stage be induced to modify any plans he has prepared, without “loss of face,” the latter being an essential to successful dictatorship. Whatever might have been Germany’s ideas regarding Britain’s attitude in 1914, there is no room for doubt to-day. If, therefore, the Fuehrer acts, he will do so with a full realisation of the consequences involved. Peace or war depends upon his next move, and the reactions to it, particularly that of Poland. The latest messages from Europe indicate that the stage is set for conflict, and the next few days, or even hours, should be decisive. Last-minute appeals for the preservation of peace have been made by the Pope and Mr. Roosevelt, but there is little ground for hope that they will prove effective. Meanwhile, Herr Hitler must be regarded as more than the dictator of Germany; it is not too much to say that in his hands lies the fate of Europe.