King Country Chronicle Saturday, September 8, 1923. THE MADNESS OF EUROPE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1859, 8 September 1923, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Saturday, September 8, 1923. THE MADNESS OF EUROPE.

The drastic and unprecedented action of Italy is another proof of the madness that at present is over-running Europe, and unless that country is prepared to listen to reason, it is quite apparent that the civilised world is in serious danger. Italy's action is unparalleled in the history of Europe for the last two centuries, and what tends to make it more serious is that she has slighted and professed her intention of ignoring the League of Nations—the only organisation that has any hope of redeeming the world in its present state of unrest, Bolshevism, and danger of war. The negotiations between the European Powers and Turkey some months ago resulted) in that country gaining almost everything she asked for, a fact that does not augur well for the future peace of the world. Turkey was quick to take advantage of the spirit of unrest and suspicion that prevails among European nations, and emerged, from the conference at Lausanne with flying colours. Italy has evidently taken a similar line of action to enlarge her power in the Mediterranean, believing that Britain will be impotent to combat her desire for expansion, for Britain is the only nation which realises the danger of the present position in Europe. France is inclined to remain neutral, believing that she can, by so doing, obtain the moral support of Italy in her occupation of German territory.

Italy is at present ruled by amateur statesmen, who are either indifferent or ignorant of international law. Mussolini and his Fascisti followers made a dramatic entry into politics, but there are indications that they are losing their power over th© people, and in some quarters it is suggested that the present movement was undertaken to prolong the present Italian Government's life. Fascism might meet with a certain amount of success among the Italian people, but to apply its methods to international affairs is a very different matter. There is nothing to prove that the murder of the Italians was perpetrated with the knowledge of the Greek Government, and Italy is no less guilty than Austria when that country declared war on Serbia for a. crime which her Government was not responsible for—an action which plunged almost the whole world in a four years' conflict. Italy's contention that the dispute is not a matter for the League of Nations, as it is a question of national prestige and honour, is very weak, and jeopardises the very life of the League. Article 16 of the League Covenant provides that should any country make war in defiance of the League, all other countries will agree to an economic blockade against th© aggressor. At present there does not seem to be any hope of co-operation among members of the League in following up this line of action, and this is the reason for Mussolini's defiant attitude. Britain alone is willing to take a part in combating this flagrant act of brigandage on the part of Italy, but for her to do it alone, apart from the great re-

sponsibility it would involve to might again engender international complications none less serious than what occurred in 1914.

The League of Nations has already justified its existence in settling a number of disputes on a satisfactory basis to the countries concerned. The supreme test has now arisen, and the next few days will decide whether this organisation is going to benefit humanity and civilisation in general,'or sink into oblivion..