The Editor’s Saturday Night

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1939, Page 6

The Editor’s Saturday Night

The past week has been noteworthy again for spectacular incidents, the real import of which will only be seen in the future.

Outstanding, from the point of view of international relationships, was the announcement of Britain’s defence ! policy. Staggering expenditure has been decided upon, and, much as Britain deprecates this expenditure on rearmament, she has made it clear beyond question that she is determined, and able, to carry on until other nations evince a desire to call a halt.

Despite the fact that the Spanish war was expected last week to have reached its conclusion in favour of General Franco, the close of this week reveals further fighting and murderous bombing. To all intents and purposes the cause of the Republican Government has been lost, and today it is stated, on grounds which seem to be fairly reliable, that the President of Spain, acting in defiance of the Premier, is making peace proposals to General Franco. It is believed that if the terms suggested are agreed.to by General Franco, an armistice sr£l| be declared immediately. So soon as the Republicans capitulate, British and French recognition of General Franco may be expected to be made without further delay. ;It is well known that both countries are anxiously awaiting the close of hostilities in order to make this recognition.

In China the Japanese, have aroused world interest by their occupation of the island of Hainan. There is no sign of early evacuation of the island, and the fear is gaining strength that-Japan will emulate Rob Roy, whose; policy was “let him seize who has the power, and let him hold who can.” This, latest development in the China-Japanese war is agitating public opinion throughout the world.

The lamented death of , Hfs Holiness Pope Pius XI on Saturday last has provided much news through this week, The world has been profoundly touched by the, passing of His Holiness, and great interest has been taken in reports of the funeral ceremonies, and the tributes paid by all classes of people, .

The fate of the, Jews in Germany has continued to stir public . opinion. The efforts of the Inter-Governmental Committee to settle the Jewish people in new homes has taken' definite shape, and there seems to be hope that the unfortunate exiles from their homeland will find sanctuary in yaripus countries.

So far as New Zealand is concerned, an unpleasant shock was received in the . shape of news that 4he British Government had decided to make a three per cent, cut in the quota of mutton and lamb exported by theiDominion'. It is disturbing to realise, that an unlimited, market for New’ Zea-. land’s mutton and lamb does'not exist in the United Kingdom, as has been fondly imagined by the people of this country. , . ,