AN APPEAL TO REASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23382, 26 June 1939, Page 10

AN APPEAL TO REASON

A spirit of reasonableness, characteristic of the man, permeated the speech given by Mr. Chamberlain at Cardiff on Saturday. As an exposition of the British attitude in foreign affairs it was his "last word," but that expression of finality can in no sense be interpreted as an ultimatum or as a truculent assertion that Britain's view must prevail. Indeed, Mr. Chamberlain has stated clearly and simply that Britain does not oppose changes in the international sphere but that she does oppose the use of force to bring about changes which should be determined by discussion arid co-operation. Germany, he says, must drop her unjust suspicions of others and show that "she is sincerely ready to talk reason with reasonable people." Here, then, is another opportunity for Herr Hitler to turn back from the road that leads to chaos. Great Britain, as Mr. Chamberlain points out, is armed mightily, but solely for the purpose of resisting aggression or domination. The responsibility is on Herr Hitler to clear the air of suspicions and threats and to cooperate with Great Britain—which is ready and willing to co-operate—-in peaceful efforts to secure natural and legitimate expansion for his country. It is to be noted that Mr. Chamberlain has not raised the question of a conference to discuss outstanding grievances. To have done so would have been to invite a rebuff from the Fuehrer, who has never troubled to conceal his scorn and detestation of the conference method. But the normal diplomatic channels still remain open and, with world peace as the goal, the British people would be prepared to see them widened. Herr Hitler's reply to Mr. Chamberlain will probably be given in his speech next Saturday. It is perhaps too much to hope that he will suddenly be converted by an appeal to reason, but Britain's Prime Minister has at least made the attempt.