AGAIN LEADING.

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 12 September 1935, Page 4

AGAIN LEADING.

The leading part being taken by Britain in negotiations to avert an Italo-Abyssinian war has drawn attention once again to the world importance of Great Britain. From the time of Napoleon, Britain reigned as mistress of the world for over a hundred years. Then came the dark years of the Great War during which man power and wealth were expended without stint. The United States emerged practically unscathed and proceeded toward financial leadership. France, making a remarkably rapid economic recovery, proceeded to become the foremost power on the Continent. Her gold and her military power everywhere influenced the policies of European States. Later came the depression and -then, the rise of Germany under the leadership of Hitler. * The United States, so afflicted internally, withdrew from world affairs. France, after the re-emergence of Germany as a great Power, could no longer play such a dominating part. Then she in 'turn became depressionafflicted and lost her prestige still further. Four years ago Britain abandoned the gold standard and the nations of the world predicted her decline. Their predictions have been utterly confounded for Britain has in that period emerged as the leading world Power and London is the world’s leading city to-day.