EUROPE’S FUTURE : WAR OR PEACE?

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 80, 16 March 1936, Page 7

EUROPE’S FUTURE : WAR OR PEACE?

Britain Must Decide the Issue

DIFFICULTIES OF MEDIATION

[By Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright] (Received 16, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 15.

The “Sun-Herald” news-service says that, although every hour of the week since Herr Hitler remilitarised the Rhineland Governments throughout Europe have displayed diplomatic activity not equalled since the war, there has not been a single development either improving the situation or making it worse. The meetings in London have at least served to emphasise the importance of Britain’s position as mediator, and have proved more conclusively than ever that she, more than anyone, must decide whether the crisis will end in war or peace.

Britain’s position is becoming more difficult daily. Public opinion passionately demands peace at any price. The populace remains pro-German despite resentment at Herr Hitler’s violation of treaties, mainly because of the conviction that if Herr Hitler’s offer is ignored Germany will simultaneously be isolated and war will be inescapable.

Cabinet realises that the public is strongly against war, but Cabinet is not unanimous. The majority of its members advocate full exploration of the possibilities of conciliating Herr Hitler; others insist on wholehearted co-operation with France and Belgium. However, Cabinet’s dilemma has been relieved by the swing of opinion in the House of Commons towards fulfilment of Britain’s obligations whatever Herr Hitler may do. The Foreign Office viewpoint, which inevitably carries considerable weight, is that the public is unable to grasp the real facts and probably is not so pro-German as is generally imagined. The Foreign Office feels that if Herr Hitler’s coup de force is allowed to succeed a war will occur within a few months. The Foreign Office is thus endeavouring to bring Cabinet to this viewpoint, saying that Britain must either support France and Belgium or break her pledges, uhieh would mean the immediate death of the League collective-security system and the reintroduction of menacing alliances and war.