A WORLD WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 3

A WORLD WAR

HOPES OF PREVENTION

VALUE OF PUBLIC OPINION AUCKLAND WOMEN ADDRESSED A lecture in which lie discussed the possibilities for and against a world war was given by Mr. K. Biggins to members of the Auckland Women's Luncheon Club at the Milne and Choyce .Reception Hall yesterday. Mrs. N. Dixon presided. Mr. Higgins dealt with his subject in three sections: —Firstly that the Fascist countries had/ in the last eight years, pursued a policy which, if unchecked, must result in the world being faced with a war; secondly that the democracies had not so far formulated a sound policy to prevent this; and thirdly that, from the force of public opinion, a policy might be formulated to defeat Fascism without recourse to war. "Eight years ago people were inclined to' think that the world had learnt a lerison from the last war, and that there was every chance of a lasting peace being enforced through international arbitration and a policy of collective security," Mr. Higgins said. "To-day we have passed irom this outlook, and there has been a general decay in world relations." Policy of Aggression He then outlined the acts causing this degeneration from the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 to the recent possession of Czecho-Slovakia by Germany. During the. last two months the- frank policy of open aggression by the three Fascist powers had left the whole world with a feeling of uncertainty. Even personal plans could not be made with any assurance that they could be carried out. Mr. Higgins said that France had lost military fame and prestige. As the prestige of Britain and France was inter-related, Britain's power had also diminished. Hitler could decide on the next decisive move, and where would he turn next? In "Mein ELampf" he had outlined his programme of unlimited expansion. If Britain or France were endangered, no power might come to their aid, as it was unlikely that any power would enter a war unless her vital interests were at stake. He considered that Hitler would next endeavour to neutralise Poland, or to weaken her entirely, that he would then neutralise llussia, and would finally turn to an unprotected Britain or France. These nations would then have to face war or surrender, as had Czechoslovakia. A Broadcast Appeal A possible salvation lay in a policy formed by the weight of public opinion. Mr. Higgins thought. There were certain bodies of people in Germany and Italy who were against a policy of blind aggression. These people were being reached by international broadcasts, but no good could be done in this manner unless the broadcasts mentioned constructive hopes anions; the people of other countries to satisfy grudges without recourse to war. .V constant appeal could be made by this means to all the people of the world, to interest them in an economic conference at which international control of markets, and reform of tariff rates would be discussed. If this appeal failed, there were several countries which, for vastly different reasons, might band together, 'not to encircle Germany, but to prevent the continuance of the policy of aggression which was inseparable from Hitlerism. A of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mrs. J. C. Gulliver. Prior to the address, songs were sung by Mr. J. L. Barratt, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Barratt. The hostesses were Mrs. Gulliver. Mrs. F. Hicks. Mrs. S. E. Kennings and Miss TE Morgan.