Nelson Evening Mail FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1939 EUROPE’S HORIZON OVERCAST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 27 January 1939, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1939 EUROPE’S HORIZON OVERCAST

1 HAT the European situation i 9 serious is indicated by the fact that on Ist February the Italian Government is calling to the colours 60,000 of its 1901 class of reservists. It is indicated from London that it is difficult to find a reasonable explanation of that ! action, and furthermore it is reported from Australia that Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister, has warned the Commonwealth of the danger there is of war. He has said, “Events in Europe and the East have moved in the direction which may precipitate a worldconflict with tragic suddenness.” Nothing should be written or said to magnify the serious nature of that statement, but it indicates that Australia’s defence programme is warranted. The danger is lest Europe’s Totalitarian States should embark on a policy of national aggrandisement by means of force. At the present moment the danger is that the concentration at Genoa and Spezia of 30,000 Italian regular troops indicates that they may be sent to Spain in support of General Franco’s operations in that country. The question is whether in event of such a movement France could remain an inactive spectator; and if France were involved, to what extent would Great Britain be obliged to support her? Then from London comes a report that the heavy concentration of German troops in various parts of Austria is causing alarm; frontier farms have been evacuated and patrols have taken up strategical points. These are only a few of the developments in Europe which are causing grave disquiet. But let the situation be considered broadly. Both Italy and Germany are in stringent circumstances financially, and it would be difficult for them to find funds which would enable them to embark on large warlike operations; and then on the other hand financial stringency may cause their Governments to divert attention from conditions at home by embarking upon adventures abroad. To show how serious the situation is, it is enough to quote the words of Sir John Anderson, Lord Privy Seal, “We must make ourselves safe so that others cannot be tempted to thoughts of aggression against us.” That sums up the position. When a responsible British Minister speaks in such terms it is evident that Europe’s political horizon is dangerously overcast. The British nation’s voluntary National Service Scheme is a sign of the times. It aims at the creation of “a civilian defence army of 1,200.000 men. also a reserve of 600.000.” As is its custom the British Government is acting in accordance with the j dictum, “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well.*’ What are the causes which necessitate Britain’s re-arming in such a comnrehensive manner? The answer cannot be given in a sentence. It will be remembered that subsequently to the Great War Britain advocated the disbanding of Europe's great armies, and herself refrained from creating those means of protection which her vast Emoire and the British Commonwealth of Nations required There was absolutely no re«oonse to her appeal by the Great Powers

of Europe: indeed, on the contrary, they adhered to the principle that a nation depends for its defence on its own strength, and that a man’s first duty to the State is to be willing and ready to defend it. The result is that Europe is an armed camp, and the situation there is very much what it was in the anxious years prior to the beginning of the Great War. Hence the British Premier's appeal on behalf of the voluntary system of recruitment, and the London “Times’’ opinion that, “The nearer the country can get by voluntary methods to universal training and universal service the less likely are both war and compulsion.” That is not the whole task which confronts the British Government and people in the matter of defence. Speaking recently in Auckland, Lord Beatty, chairman of the Navy League in : England, said, “I do not disparage the Air Force, with which the Navy works hand in hand, but the integrity of the Empire must al- | ways depend on the Navy, no matter how strong the Air Force may be.” The fact is that the two services go hand in hand: both are essential, and in conjunction ! with the military forces of the Empire and Commonwealth of Nations they form a powerful protection. That brings into, consideration the fact that the Dominions necessarily have to play their parts in the general scheme of defence. The visiting Peer ! voiced the following opinions: “My present voyage has brought home to me more than ever the weakness of Britain in this part of the world. . . . Not onlv is the Old Country dependent for survival upon the defence of British , trade-routes: thev are equally im- | portant to New Zealand. Britain is the largest importer of New Zealand goods, and any interruption of trade would hit the Dominion hard.’’ New Zealand must play her part in the scheme of Empire defence. She may not be able to play a great part, but at least she may develop to their full extent those protective means which are at her command. Australia has awakened to the need there is for creating adequate means of defence, and what is sound policy in Australia in regard to tHis important matter is sound policy in New Zealand. Many people will say “What chance is there of New Zealand being attacked?” While things are as at present, there is little chance: but suppose Britain were actively involved in Europe’s troubles, what would be this country’s situation, if it were menaced? The position should be faced by the Government and people of this country, and those steps should be taken which will settle beyond cavil a problem which is of primary importance.