The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.} FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1937. CLEARING ATMOSPHERE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.} FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1937. CLEARING ATMOSPHERE.

Thk European situation is showing a gradual improvement in its atmosphere, the position not being so murmy as it was a few months ago. The improving sign has spread also to Asia, though Britain has concern with at least two serious block spots in that continent —Palestine and India. Since Great Britain joined issue with other nations in re-arming, the changed complexion of affairs has been noticeable. At tlie same time other nations have shown renewed Virility, and the strength of 'Russia and the recuperation of China have played no small part. The two latter instances, combined with the financial position m Japan, has steadied the latter, which now assumes a more peaceful prospect, and is prepared to hold out the olive branch. At the same time Bri- } tain is strengthening her position greatly in the Far East. The demonstration at Singapore did not pass unnoticed, while Hong Kong is to be made more secure. The Philippine islanders are also preparing to resist any threat of invasion, and with the desire for peace so strong in the United States, the Far East should enjoy a respite from serious alarm. The conflict in Spain is being more and more confined to the nationals, though the full truth is not as yet known as regards the mercenaries sent from supporting countries. Yet the European atmosphere is less turgid. The diplomatic intrigues in the Near East appear to be a game between Russia and Italy, where both express satisfaction at immediate results. New alignments are likely but these treaty obligations change quickly. It is clear that Russia has a dominating influence over the general situation. The correspondent’s story about Germany being likely to turn towards Russia which has been reviled so much in the past, may be surmise, but the suggestion carries the impression of truth because ft can be realised that Germany may no longer take matters in her own hands where other national interests are affected without prospect of serious developments. Italy, a possible storm centre, does not appear likely to make much difficulty now bent on colonising efforts.

It is true Mussolini is watchful and is prepared to take advantage of favouring winds, as witness, the Italian propaganda in Northern Africa and Palestine. But that can be only temporary gain for it would appear Britain will provide a panacea for the troubles between the Jews and the Arabs in Palestine. Generally, therefore. a brighter outlook is clearing, and at suen an opportune time, the United States lias sent a special ambassador to Loudon to negotiate about trade matters. This can carry great possibilities in its train, the more so as the British Dominion representatives will be at hand to take part in the discussion. A strong alliance in trade and intercourse between the English-speaking peoples will lie a material aid to the peace of the world. If such he in sight then the great Coronation ceremony to which the world is making pilgrimage will he the centre of a great achievement which should benefit all humanity by aiding the future prospects of peace.

“One of the most cogent causes of unrest in Europe in the last two or three years l believe to be due to tm» want of equilibrium between the obligations and liabilities of our country and its material strength,” said Mr Stanley Baldwin in supporting the British Government’s rearmament plans in the House of Commons. “Labour members speak about collective security as though it would work by itself and as though there is some kind or antithesis between collective security and national security. There rs no antithesis. The two things are one, and it is a perfect fallacy to think you may vote for something that is going to be spent on collective security and you cannot vote for something going to be spent on national defence. By collective security you mean that tho forces of order are stronger than the forces of disorder. If any war breaks out in Europe it is not going to be a localised war. It will run through Europe and be the most terrible tiling you can conceive. And if the forces are fairly even you may have a repetition of 1914. The idea of collective security is that there should lie so overwhelming a force on one side that no aggressor would start. And that would have been the case had the League of Nations been universal. But if Britain were to fulfil her obligations under collective security she must have power enough to defend the nation. If or Britain to enter any pact of collective security when she was not in a position to full her weight with the other countries or to defend herself satisfactorily would be a most dangerous thing. It was to avoid that that the defence scheme was put before the House.”