The Hawera Star. MONDAY, JUNE 30, 1924. A NEW SPIRIT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 June 1924, Page 6

The Hawera Star.

MONDAY, JUNE 30, 1924. A NEW SPIRIT.

Delivered every evening ny a o’dlock in Hawera, Manaia, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho Manutahi, Alton, Hurley vilie, Patea, Waverley, Mokoia, Whakamara, Olxangai, Meremere, Fraeer Boad, and Ararata.

The statements made by Mr. Norman Angell concerning the proposal by the Allied Powers indicate that a. new spirit is being manifested in international affairs, and it seems as if the old method of isolating or ostracising Germany is to be abandoned in favour of bringing Germany into the League of Nations, and further, that she shall be encouraged to join the Allied pact. The opinion of M. Herriot, the new Premier of France, is that while the present position continues there is a grave danger of Germany becoming a menace to Europe again, which it is desired to avoid if possible. The statements are reported to be causing widespread interest among the leaders of the nations, as might be expected. Since the experts’ report was made the three main Powers concerned—Britain, France and Germany—have stated that thej r are willing to accept the recommendations as a, whole, though probably the details may need revision when it comes to putting the plan into- operation. To secure a general acceptance of the plan was a decided advance, and it has raised hopes that at last a definite beginning has been made upon a practical solution of the problem of reparations and Germany’s position in Europe. The isolation of the nation and the endeavour to force her to surrender reparations have not proved successful, and have led to considerable trouble. The fact is that, whatever other countries think of Germany, she is there and nations must live *?ide by side. The majority of people thought during the war that the Allied Powers when they had defeated the enemy’s military, naval and aerial forces would proceed to ipake Germany disgorge her wealth and make reparation for the terrible wrong which she had clone. How little did the people and the leaders of the Allied Powers ready know of the eomplex situations that were destined to arise. One of the first men 'to foresee great trouble and the impossibility of the plans outlined at Versailles was Mr. Keynes, the British financial expert, and he wrote strongly against the proposals. With the excitement prevailing it was hard

to accept Mr. Keynes’ views at first, but the passing of the years has proved him correct. Britain later proposed a. moratorium and measures that would enable Gerniany to reach a financial position that would enable her to meet the revised Allied demands, but France, led by M. Poincare, would not consent and the action taken by her and Belgium led up to the position which the leaders of the nations are now facing. Conditions in Europe are very bad —in fact, some countries appear to be in a worse state than during the war—and the world as a whole is suffering because of the failure of Europe to recover. The policy which has been followed has not brought the results anticipated, and the time has come when not only the Allies, but Germany, feel that new plans must be tried. There are, of course, in all the countries sections of people who are hostile to new policies, and who will probably oppose them, but it is to be hoped that the leaders of the nations have at last reached a plan that will lead to the restoration of Europe and the worldwide improvements that will follow when the Continent has been put upon a better footing with improved international relationships. Further details of Mr. Angel’s statements, the accuracy of which has not so far been denied, will be awaited in all countries with interest.