THE CONDITION OF EUROPE

Maoriland Worker, Volume 14, Issue 3, 23 January 1924, Page 1

THE CONDITION OF EUROPE

Testimony to the "Fit-to-Governs'

Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald, in his House of Commons speech, Said that Europe was nearer to conditions in 1914 than most men like to think. This is undeniable, and it means that but five years after the Avar to end war another world slaughter is in preparation. , . Mr. Mac Donald's opinion is" confirmed by the statement of the American General Dawes at the Reparations Commission, to the effect that a great disaster faces each Ally and Europe "unless commonsense islerowned king." The present calamitous state of Europe is a testimony to the abilities of the so-called " fit-to-govern " class. It was,this class that manufactured the Versailles " Peace "—condemned by LabourPParties everywhere from the moment of its conception as certain to produce the destruction and chaos-that have actually eventuated—and since, they have run Europe according to their great principles of pillage and, subjugation without let or hindrance. As- a result we are "now'on the verge of a repetition of the 1-914-18 butchery. ■-*... Britain is passing through a fourth winter of unemployment in which over a million and .a quarter lack work; Germany, invaded and dismembered, is financially down and out, with her workers suffering starvation; France is repudiating, her war debts, her franc is on the slippery slope; a million more men are under arms than .in 19-14; sabre-rattlers■•*and' assassin's are abroad; wages fall, food queues are everywhere, rags and misery and famine stalk the land: and —Armageddon is in the offing. With 'such achievements to recommend them,-the " fit-to-governs " should literally be chased out of every place of powerin Europe. Two alternatives offer themselves to meet this ruinous condition of affairs: The, "next war " (we are .'" preparing " for this, remember), which will leave the fundamental problem as it is, only more so, or an enlightened Labour foreign policy set forth and pursued in full publicity.The cables report that the coming British Labour Government will depend upon publicity for support of" its international policy, and that is as it should be. Labour opposes war with a foreign policy, openly stated, which will coalesce every intelligent man and woman of whatever nationality, knowing that in the end OPINION will pacify the woi?ld. . - v_ .Choose yel , - X P.