Nelson Evening MAil MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1939 EUROPEAN PROSPECTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 January 1939, Page 4

Nelson Evening MAil MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1939 EUROPEAN PROSPECTS

WHEN recently in New York, Mr Anthony Eden voiced opinions which are likely to meet with general approval in British countries. Speaking of the British nation, he said, “We know that we are destined, in our land and generation, to live in a period of emergency of which none can see the end. If throughout that time we hold fast to our faith, cradle it in stone, and set steel to defend it, we can hand on our inheritance of freedom intact to the generations that are to come.” Those remarks have reference to the state of Europe at the present time, and to international relationships which may arise through the existence on the Continent of political ideologies, which, supported by powerful organisations, may plunge Europe into strife. The speaker did not convey the idea that the British have any notion of seeking to embroil themselves in Europe’s future differences, but that their geographical position is such that it is difficult for them to dissociate themselves from the troubles that are so frequently arising between European nations, which, for geographical reasons, or through motives of aggrandisement, may disturb the Continent’s peace. As is known France, Britain, and Belgium have formed a defensive agreement, in the hope of preserving peace. The British Prime Minister has established with Signor Mussolini a political understanding which certainly tends to tranquillity, especially in the Mediterranean. in which the Italians and British are fundamentally interested. It looks, therefore, as if the Franco-Brilish understanding, and the ItalianBritish rapprochement, may discourage those elements which appear to desire to revert to the line of thought, which, prior to 1914, favoured, if it did not actually advocate, strife as an effective and legitimate means of attaining national ends. The Fuhrer himself admits that he was strong-

ly impressed by the meeting of the Powers at Munich, where the British Premier’s peace-promoting policies greatly strengthened the cause of international harmony. He says, “I am of opinion that that event’’ the meeting at Munich “justifies the hope that in the future the common friendship of the European statesmen may preserve peace throughout Europe, which gives the fullest justice to the legitimate interests of the nation.” There is a certain amount of ambiguity in the last part of that sentence, but it will be admitted that the German leader’s expressions lead to the expectation that he will resort to ameliorative expedients when necessary for the preservation of peace in Europe. That plainly is the policy of the British Premier, with whom Signor Mussolini has eloquently expressed himself in accord. France’s peaceful proclivities are well known and highly valued. May it not therefore be expected that the nations of Central and Western Europe will work together successfully for the maintenance of peace, settling by means of consultation and agreement any differences which may arise between them, and assuring to each and all the opportunity of promoting that prosperity which best flourishes in an atmosphere of international concord and goodwill?