UNEASY SITUATION

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 19 April 1926, Page 5

UNEASY SITUATION

AFFAIRS IN EUROPE.

SOVIET INTRIGUERS,

DIFFICULTIES IN THE LEAGUE

'3Y CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, April 18. The political situation in Europe, combined with the uncertainty of the industrial situation in Britain, is causing considerable anxiety. The intrigues of M. Tchitcherin, the Soviet Commisasry for Foreign Affairs, resulting in the Russo-German Treaty, and his negotiations and offers of a pact to Poland and the border States sjrc most embarrassing, and are regarded as tending to shift the centre of diplomacy to the East. The .Soviet policy is directed apparently tbwarcls creating a diversion against the League of Nations, while the prospect of obtaining capital from America by linking up with Germany cannot be ignored. M. Tchitcherin will thus bo able to circumvent the British aloofness towards Russia, in which connection Mr J. L. Garvin, in a striking two-column article m the Observer, says that if London and Paris do not seek tlieir own direct settlements towards Russia they must take the consequences. It is interesting to note that four prominent Conservative members of the House of Commons departed for Russia yesterday. They are Sir Frank Nelson, Colonel Moore, Captain Bourne, an i Mr J. G. Boothy.' Their report, which it is believed will be eagerly anticipated by Mr Baldwin and the leading bankers, may have an important bearing on the attitude of Britain towards Russia. Unfortunately, the preparatory disarmament conference, and the League of Nations dissensions _ tend to strengthen the Soviet’s position, while the Soviet’s isolation is attracting neighbouring States to its orbit. In the meantime, there is much speculation regarding Sir Austen , Chamberlain not attending the conference on the constitution of the League of Nations Council at Geneva on May 10, especially as it is understood that he and M. Boneour,' of France, who were the heads of their respective delegations, are not on the friendliest terms since the Geneva embroglio. ' It is said that Sir Austen Chamberlain cannot be spared, in view of the industrial situ- ' ation here, but it js otherwise reported that Mr Baldwin and other members of the Cabinet are concerned at the prospect of a Russo-German agreement, and that coining events are most likely to require the immediate attention of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. At any rate, Lord Hugh Cecil, who will represent Britain at the conference, will unquestionably prove a stern, unbending defender of the League of Nation’s constitution, and unlikely to surrender any prerogative, whereas Sir Austen Chamberlain’s pro-French proclivities might lead to concessions. So far as the Homo situation is concerned, while the coal crisis has occupied most attention and may even lead to idle coalfields, there is reason to be lieve that Cabinet is immediately more concerned about the engineering dis- . pute, involving, as it does, light, power and transport. , These matters, how--I i,ever, are expected to come- to a head *V, j n a few days, whereas the international complications, seem to be interminable.