EUROPE'S FUTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22328, 31 July 1934, Page 9

EUROPE'S FUTURE

"ENGLAND HOLDS THE KEY" ABLE TO AVERT CRASH (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, July 30. (Received July 30, at 11 p.m.) . Mr G. Ward Price, in an article in the Daily Mail, says: "France, which is now at the.peak of her military strength, fears Avar, hut does not fear Germany. France would take part in any war which began by Germany attacking a Western European Power, and she wants Britain to guarantee Holland's 'neutrality, in addition to that of Belgium, enabling Holland to allow its aerodromes to be used by the British Air Force as bases for counter-attacks against Germany if necessary. France does not think Germany wants war because her preparations are incomplete, though she is convinced that Germany has a concealed air force capable of instant and formidable offence against France or England in mass formations, against which no great city can be defended." Mr Price points out that .small States round Germany, believe that she would annex first Austria, then Czechoslovakia, and then drive through Jugoslavia to the Adriatic. "However, events like the Dollfuss assassination may : lead Germany . into courses Herr Hitler is anxious to avoid. Austria leans heavily on Italy, yet the latter alarms .her because if the Austrian Nazi Legion entered Nbrthern Austria from Germany, Italian trdopa would simultaneously enter Southern Austria. Prince Starhemberg is courageous, but impetuous, and is,lacking in knowledge and statesmanship.; Tcri years ago he supported the Hitler putsch at Munich, but now leads a Government which believes Herr Hitler is its worst enemy. Many people regard royalist restoration as the best pledge of, peace, as neither the Hohenzolierns nor the Hapsburgs would again risk their thrones by warfare. England holds the key to the situation. Hesitation, obscurity and reserve by the British Government would help and not hinder the crash."