TAKING UP A CHALLENGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23220, 14 December 1938, Page 14

TAKING UP A CHALLENGE

Haß the hour struck for a general resistance of the forces long challenging the rights of liberty-loving peoples 1 It would not do to be sanguine of checking decisively, if not finally, the assaults launched upon them by totalitarian States of diverse forms. Only a prolonged opposition can wear down the menaceYet it is encouraging to note that, item after item, to-day's foreign news has in it evidence of a bolder attitude and tone toward the gathering threats. M. Daladier is believed to have told Herr von Ribbentrop that France will fight unhesitatingly if Italy should try to seize so much as an inch of French territory. An Anglo-French objection has been lodged, according to Mr. Chamberlain, against any attempt by Germany to violate the Statute of Memel. On the same sufficient authority, Germany has been officially informed that the British Government intends to do all in its power to protect the interests of British subjects in the Reich, irrespective of race dr religion or plac,e of residence, this intention having special reference to those of Jewish race. Britain, and America, in view of evidence that Japan is toying with the idea of excluding Western trade from the Orient, particularly by isolating Shanghai and preventing access to the Yangtse, are under stood to be discussing plans of re-; prisal. On behalf of the British Government, an announcement has been made of a determination to put the whole force of the State behind exporters, in an effort to overcome unfair foreign competition. It is regrettable that words and deeds so grave have to be employed against other nations, but the necessity has been thrust upon Britain and France and the United States by events of foreign origin. Resistance to those inimical movements is fully due. There is no feasible alternative now. The cause of peace can only be served with effect if, side by side with reasonable negotiation, a valiant front to reckless might is unmistakably shown.