GERMANY AGREES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVII, Issue 4396, 23 May 1933, Page 4

GERMANY AGREES.

The news that Germany has accepted Britain's Convention on the disarmament question as a basis of discussion will, be received with satisfaction throughout the world. It cannot yet be said that Germany will agree to all the proposals that will be

brought forward at the Conference, but something very tangible has been achieved when she is willing to withdraw her amendments to the suggestions put forward by Britain, and again open up the discussions. Up to a few days ago Germany was adamant in regard to her rights of "equality in armaments," and the sword rattling tactics of Hitler and von Papen did not tend to improve the outlook for an agreement on this great problem of armaments. It has been said that responsibility sobers a man. When Mussolini took charge of the destinies of Italy, he distinguished himself by wild and unguarded statements in the same way as Hitler during the last few weeks. Mussolini in time, however, realised that he was not speaking for himself, but a nation, and to-day is recognised as a statesman with reasonable views on international matters. Evidently Hitler has also come to realise his responsibilities. He has passed the stage when he was a political adventurer, and his speech in the Reichstag last week was moderate and reasonable, showing that he did not openly identify himself with the remarks of his Vice-Chancellor, when von Papen said that war was the only occupation worthy of a man. The great reception given to Hitler's speech plainly shows that the German people do not want any more war. Hitler misjudged the psychology of the German people. He thought that they wanted revenge for their defeat in the Great War, but the cold reception given to the Vice-Chancel-lor's "glorification of war" went to disprove this. He was quick to sum up the position and his speech of moderation was hailed with enthusiasm by the German people. The defeat of Germany in the Great War still rankles in the hearts of her people, and even more the "unfair peace treaty." She put down all the troubles she has experienced since 1918, not to her own vanity and ambition, but to the unfair conditions of the peace treaty. It is easy for a nation, as well as an individual, to blame others for its own folly. Germany gained unity and power through war, and the Prussian section still believes that this is the only road to success. The masses of the German people, however, have suffered enough through war and want no more.

With the change of front of Hitler, the prospects of the British plan for disarmament look much more hopeful. All the principal Powers of the world will meet in conference on the subject with one idea—a reduction in the armaments of the world. There will be wide differences of opinion as to the reductions to be made by each nation, especially with so much international suspicion in Europe, but Hitler's speech, coupled with the world appeal by the President of the United States, will help to relieve this tension. The Disarmament Conference is of world-wide interest, for not only a reduction of armaments is involved in the results. On them largely depend the decisions of the Economic Conference and a satisfactory solution of the war debts problem. Once these matters are settled there is nothing to prevent a speedy recovery of trade and finance in every country. On the fate of the first issue issue, however, depends that of the other two. For this reason Germany's decision to come within the fold is cheerful news to all the nations.