The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, October 18th, 1935. PEACE POSSIBILITIES.

Grey River Argus, 18 October 1935, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, October 18th, 1935. PEACE POSSIBILITIES.

It does not appear that Gen eva is the centre of gravity as regards the war. Following diplomatic exchanges, there hav? been Notes passing among the lug Powers. It is obvious that France in particular is working hard for a peaceful result at the earliest possible moment. She is torn at this moment between her associa tion with Britain and her friend ship for Italy. Not only that, but there are in France divided counsels. A good deal of the altruism all parties profess can be quite discounted. The dominant considerations remain the interests of the Imperialistic Powers. Britain is working with the idea that no

foreign Power shall gain a posi tion astride of the great line of territory which she holds upon the continent of Africa, not to mention the relation to her line of communications with the East which would arise from Italy’s conquest of Abyssinia. This explains the concentration of the Navy in the Mediterranean Sea prior to the League of Nations coming to any decision whatever. It may be inferred that even were there a disagreement at Geneva, the extra naval units would have been retained in the Mediterranean. A request by France, based on the view that they were not sent there on the League’s behalf, for the removal of the extra warships so as to promote a conciliatory atmosphere, has been turned down flat by Britain. She, indeed, is said to have demanded from France a more explicit guarantee to back up whatever measures against Italy are voted at Geneva, the suggestion being that French support for the embargoes, eithei sanctioned or projected, is uncer tain. No doubt, that is true. The great majority of the French people are as much against the coercion of Italy as the great majority of the British public are in favour of that course in order to stop an Italian conquest of Abyssinia. It is now hinted that the French Prime Minister may be deposed, but it is at best uncertain if the country will go any further than the shortest possible step in coercing Italy even if M. Herriot, or som e other politician I who supports League action. should replace M. Laval. The

test, indeed, of Geneva unanimity' can only come when Sanctions are being operated, and the course of events is, therefore, very difficult meantime to forsee. It may be safely considered that Italy is ready to negotiate in preference to carrying on a war hampered by’ foreign opposition. The ques tion is just what will satisfy Britain and Italy by’ way of a compromise. Each is doubtless aware of what the other wishes, just as both have been aware of the middle place France has been destined to fill; but the world allarge is not taken into the conn dence of the diplomats, and the publicity’ on the matter is largely propaganda. In spite of outward evidences, therefore, of increasing strain, it is conceivable that the possibility of a settlement is nearer than might appear. The Italians have taken a spell at the front, and it is more than a breathing space, being doubtless meant as a bargaining interlude. The British Government is utilising the situation for an election cry’ that is expected to spell victory next month. There is also the question of Continental reactions to the situation, Italy’ having intimated to France that she is not now in a position to hold the Brenner Pass against Germany should that Power ta ! e action to annex Austria and even to go further. The situation in fact, is a most uncertain one and while there may’ be the chances of a compromise, there may’ on the other hand be dangers that are meantime hidden. Italy has appeared to hav e been entirely’ isolated, until events have come closer to a crux. Reliance may’ be placed on th e British declaration that hostilities are not contemplated, although there is the question of provocation in the Mediterranean to consider. What may be hoped is that diplomatic exchanges will ere long result in what is called a formula whereby the many conflicting interests may be reconciled. Such are th e rivalries that so long as hostilities continue anywhere, there is the risk of war spreading anywhere.