The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, August 30, 1939. WAITING ON HITLER’S REPLY.

Grey River Argus, 30 August 1939, Page 6

The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, August 30, 1939. WAITING ON HITLER’S REPLY.

Although every European frontier is reported to have been manned, and ten million men are in arms, awaiting the result of diplomatic exchanges between Britain and Germany, the issue of peace or, war in Europe has continued to remain as doubtful as it was when Herr Hitler turned down the proposition of the French Prime Minister for direct negotiations between Germany and Poland. It might seem that Ilerr Hitler took quite a contrary line immediately afterwards when he sent proposals of his own to Britain. At anyrate, the latest impression is that he has not by any means closed the door on negotiation. The nature of his demands upon Poland may give a clue to his reason for refusing direct negotiations with that Power. It may be that a. plunge into war is a prospect regarded with more equanimity outside of Germany than within that country. The way in which the-situation has been depicted in the press so alarmingly in recent weeks, suggests the work of cosmopolitan capitalists, who have had their usurious activities greatly restricted for some time 1 past, and also largely control the pi'ess, and prompts a - suspicion that slaughter on a vast scale might be regarded by them as a promise of eventual grist for their mill. In America, for instance, the collection of the world’s gold has so .lifted the dollar value that even trade, as well as money lending, is affected. Thus the only way which recently could be devised to dispose of wheat and cotton was that of bartering, a resort for which Germany had been blamed by the cosmopolitan plutocracy. It is a hopeful sign that the protagonists of peace have augmented, rather than relaxed, their efforts on the Continent. The small Powers are sharing in their activity, that at Brussels earlier under Swedish auspices having been now followed by a conference in which the four big Powers concerned were represented as well as smaller ones. Hopes are still reposed in the influence of Italy to induce a more conciliatory attitude on the part of Germany. According to the latest messages, the centre of gravity is moving from Berlin to London. Italian opinion is that upon Britain’s attitude the ultimate outcome will depend. The proposals put by Britain to Her* Hitler have not been announced, but the fact that her Ambassadoi is remaining in Berlin is significant. It is rumoured his aeroplane is conveying a reply, although another report says that the reply will be lengthy and may be delayed somewhat. In the absence of particular's, the only favourable conclusion to be drawn from the situation is that a general desire to avert war exists, and that a compromise may thus be expected. The way in which matters have approached a climax has been such that war is seen as the greatest evil of all, because the preparations have been so thorough that from the outset they must mean greater slaughter than the world has ever seen before. This crisis, if it is resolved without such a. catastrophe, may be the forerunner of better things. All depends upon the readiness of statesmen to recognise mere material interests alone do not justify the sacrifice of their people. Tn other words force as a principle of policy, while it may be an ultimate support, ought not to be a primary '-one. The Germans doubtless consider they are now subject to the threat of force, but must admit their own demands, however just they may- regard them, have been advanced with force as a hacking. ' Thus the mustering of every available form of force,, which is the ' essence of the guarantee given Poland, by Britain and France, has been relied on to bring Ger-

many into a mood of compromise. The" so called “white war’’ against Germany in the economic sphere, has helped to breed her present disposition, and it is reasonable to ask for a relaxation. Whether this should go immediately to the extent of restoring any colonial territory is a moot point, but the negotiations now in progress may throw some light on it. At the moment the outlook is better than yesterday. Today may at least he expected to lessen the very grave doubts still existing.