THE OAMARU MAIL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1920. BRITISH POLICY IN EUROPE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14703, 2 June 1920, Page 4

THE OAMARU MAIL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1920. BRITISH POLICY IN EUROPE.

Disraeli long since laid it down that "circumstances are beyond the control of. man," and we have it also, on authority made venerable by age that "circumstances alter cases." Changed conditions have necessitated a revision of British policy in Europe, and this revision lately led to some 6evere French criticism of the, British Government because of the modification of its attitude towards Germany. However the differences between the two great Allies were composed and harmony was restored. The' interesting consideration at the present moment is: is Britain's revised policy'in respect to Germany? The old jietermmation to Wage an'economic war . against Germany en-# tertained by the people very generally, if not sanctioned by the Government, has been set aside as at leastrimpoli'tic . under the economic conditions that have sprung out of the «war throughout Europe. A well-informed writer.says:— * "Britain has come to believe that the continent must stand or fall together and that .reconstruction work must be encouraged everywhere without regard ■to who are friends, or, enemies. Also England does not want to agree to measures that must eventually provoke I wars of revenge. There has been too | much of that already in the Peace Treaty, and a. Poland with unwilling subject, nationalities or . a. France in control of .millions of . patriotic.- rGermiindS woiild' mean, in the London view,, inevitable "future war/' Then as to Britain's attitude towards Russia -tiie writer says -that, while Britain recognises the independence of border States, that, are liot composed of Russians" who have always-wished to be freo and have served as barriers to Bolshevism, Britain has no desire to keep Russia forever-weak. He continues: ' 'British insistence upon . reopening trade relations,-arid the undeniable British drift "toward peace, is part and parcel' ofthe- new -English determination that the - whole Continent must settle down, imder ■ (jtovernments good or bad, i get to work and resume trade" relations !if universal bankruptcy, anarchy, and starvation are to be. staved off .'' Sumi med up in a few words, British policy in respect to 'Europe is _ dictated by adesire to turn men's minds from war and wretchedness to peace, plenty,, and ultimate prosperity,,.. and a conviction that this end can. only" be attained by putting all peoples- in the .way of ..helping themselves; • 'lt is a...humane .policy, in beeping with the traditions of thG nation.

v DEALING' WITH TURKEY. One direction in which, there lias been a marked reversal of policy is that -in regard to Turkey. Before t-be settlernent of the terms of peace was entered ■upon there was a universal demand that the unspeakable Turk should be banished from Europe and driven back to Asia. That course appeared to have have the approval of the Allied Governments and those associated with them • But it has not been found so" easy to< carry such a policy into effect as it seemed to be, and the treaty of peace which has Been offered to Turkey still leaves the Sultan securely in occupation of Constantinople, but ; with his authority ; curtailed and his dominions shorn of their magnificence. This modification of policy in dealing with Turkey has occasioned very general regret in all Christian countries. But it has been left to the United States to raise a howl of indignation and a demand for the expulsion of the Turks. The Press teems with declamations couched -n . many instances ill language of vituperative" character. The question ; arises: What has the United: States done to authorise it or its Press tc become a mentor of the Allies and of Britain and France in particular? The rUnited States, when it entered the war,, studiously avoided declaring war against Turkey and throughout maintained diplomatic relations with the Turkish Government, securing whatever . advantages were obtainable therefrom. Its representatives took no part in the formulation of the terms of peace with Turkey, and it refrained from co-operat-ing with Britain and- France when the occupation of Constantinople became- a stern necessity. Again, while the United States has proclaimed- sympathy with the Armenians; and demanded that measures should be taken to end their butchery by the blood-thirsty Turks, it took no step towards giving practical effect to its righteous, demand. When asked to accept a mandate over Armenia in order to guard the new State from Turkish molestation it turned down the proposal on the score of distance and expense, suggesting that task should be undertaken by sonfe one else. The United States' chief occupation has been to-find much work for others to <do, with no inclination to do any part of the great task of regenerating the world. In short, the United States has run a wonderful mill for the manufacture of golden maxims and holy precepts, but has not been ready to take them to heart and give them vitality and force.