A CRASH

Grey River Argus, 31 July 1934, Page 5

A CRASH

IN EUROPE WHAT SITUATION HOLDS Penetrating Analysis BY ME WARD PRICE. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received July 30 at IU.IU pm.) 'LONDON, July 30. Air (’,. Ward Price, in an article in the ‘‘Daily Mail,” says: ‘ • France, which is now at the peak of her military strength, fears war. but she does not fear Germany. France would take part in any war «which began by Germany attack ng a Western European power. She wants Britain t'O guarantee Holland’s neut-aaiity. in addition to that of Belgium. This would enable Holland to allow its aerodromes to be used by the British Air Force as ba>es for counter attacks against Germany, if they become necessary. France does not think that Germany wants war, because her preparations are incomplete, though France is convinced that Germany has a concealed air force that is capable of instant and formidable offence against France or against England in mass (formations —formajtions against wh ch no g.'ieat city can be defended. ’ ’ Air Ward Price also points out that the small States round Germany believe that Germany would annex, first Austria, and then Czech'o-Slovakia. and that Germany would then drive through Jugo-Slavia to the Adriatic Sea. However, he adds, events like the asasssination of Chancellor Dollfus.s may lead Germany into courses which Chancellor Hitler is anxious to avoid. lie concludes: “Austria leans heavily on Italy. Yet the latter (Italy) alarms her. because, if the Austrian Nazi Legion entered Northern Austria from Germany Italian troops would simultaneously enter Southern Austria. Prince Starhemberg is courageous, but ho is impetuous, and is lacking in knowledge and in statesmanship. Ten years ago he supported the Hitler •‘Putsch’’ at Munich. but now he leads an Austrian Government which br ieves that Herr Hiller is its worst enemy.

“Alany people,” concludes Air Ward Brice. “regard a Royalist restoration in Austria as being lhe best pledge 'of peace. Neither the Hohenzollerns nor the Tlapsburgs would again risk- their thrones by warfare. England holds the key to the situation. But hesitation, obscurity. and reserve on the part of the Brit'sh Government would help, and not hinder, the crash.”