The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1931. THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1931. THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

In 1 the aftermath of the war, the European situation grows more complex internationally. The war debt settlement is bringing other issues in its train, aiid out of it all there may yet emerge a more solid and definite settlement of the complex position, leading to a definite return to normal conditions. The realisation of the United States as to the present financial issue, and, the granting of a year’s holiday in debt payments, can only be accepted now as a preliminary to greater things. The gesture was most time, ly in many respects, though actually almost overdue for the benefit of Germany the financial resources, of which in regard to the treaty obligations are now almost exhausted. The action of the United. States was notable in a, mo-re abstract way. It signified the active interest and concern in European events and the present situation, and having taken than step, force cf circumstances is likely to cause America to go further. The United States entered the war activities very tardily and dropped her intimate relations with the world event at a, very critical time. Had the Wilson policy been carried on to fruition, and America participated in the working of the League of Nations, the world situation to-day would be less complex. But circumstances now are drawing the United States into the League fold, and if that is accomplished, there should be the dawn of a brighter period for Europe. It is clear from the Hoover pronouncement that America can be induced to enter the League on terms. Those terms will be- essential for the ultimate advantage of Eurone. in that a real measure of military disarmament mav he brought about. The point is that with some of the most aggressive nations tlico is still a race in armaments, and the marvel is that financially shaken as they are, they can still find money for additions to armies and navies, but their war d 'M nnynients remain a millstone round their necks. President Hoover now suggests that those nations which are in financial difficultes with regard to their past war debts, should not attempt to organise and maintain costly military defences. The obvious suggestion is that the League of Nations should be allowed to fulfil its ideal mission and become the keeper not only

of the European peace but also of world peace. There seems little doubt that this is the real cure for all the interational troubles of the European nations, and if the barometer were set fair in that quarter, it would be possible to anticipate a general benefit to the whole world. In other words, the nations would set out on the way back to norma] conditions again. In the various negotiations which have taken place between, the Powers since 191819, we have seen the great amount of distrust shown even among the former Allies. France has been a notable offender despite.all that was done for the country by the great support given her cause. This amount of distrust is the stumbling block at the present time, but with the entry of the United States into the deliberations of the League of Nations a great stride .will be made. The action will justify the Wilson policy of twelve years ago and give a degree of hope to the world which has been sadly lack, ing, but which provided, would create a Pew spirit and brighter prospects for the immediate future.