The Editor’s Saturday Night

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1939, Page 6

The Editor’s Saturday Night

Once again a week of anxiety over the possible development of another crisis, which, however, has not so far materialised. There has boon much ground for serious consideration of world affairs, but the week ends on a more optimistic note. Much was expected from the conversation held by the British Ambassador and the Japanese Foreign Minister regarding the blockade at Tientsin and subsequent aggressive acts by Japan against the interests of foreign concessionaires in China. The first meeting between the Ambassador and the Foreign Minister apparently endied in a complete deadlock. More than [ that, the parties apparently left the ’ conference table in angry mood. This I report was subsequently denied, but \ there is reason to believe that the at- | mosphere in which the conference was f held was not as clear and comfortable \as might have been desired. Today f there come reports that the resumed i conference was more successful, and \ that some progress was made towards | a settlement. However, as Japan is i still believed to contend that Britain [ must recognise the new order in • China—the overlordship of Japan—the i outlook is still obscure. There have * also come reports of Japan’s intention to occupy additional treaty ports, despite the protests of Britain and France. Just what is behind the Japanese mind is not quite clear, but there is more than suspicion that ; shei is simply acting in concert with the other parties to the Axis. From Poland, where comparative quietness has reigned during the past week or two, there have come reports of a marked increase of pressure by the Danzigers, with Germany at their back, against Poland, where a dangerous situation seems again to be developing.

It may be only a coincidence that the recrudescence of German activity in Poland and the pressure which Japan is trying to apply to Britain, should have followed closely upon a much-to-be deplored action of the United States Parliament i'n deserting President Roosevelt, whose efforts to amend the neutrality law with a view to assisting the European democracies has been frustrated. This decision

will undoubtedly be interpreted by the Axis Powers as an indication that if war should break out, America will not immediately throw her weight into the balance on the side of the democracies. This is indeed a regrettable development, for though some of those -who oppose President Roosevelt today say that the United States would be with the democracies if war broke out, it is to be feared that help would only come after heavy loss of life and property had taken place. If the United States would make it plain beyond dispute that she was linked with the democracies the danger of a world war would be very materially decreased. In New Zealand the big news of the week is the success of Mr Nash in obtaining credits for £9,000,000, and his declaration that negotiations for the conversion of the £17,000.000 loans maturing in January are proceeding satisfactorily. The relief obtained at a time when relief is needed is very welcome.