The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. “Luceo Non Uro.” WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1935. A CLEARER HORIZON

Southland Times, Issue 22487, 23 January 1935, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. “Luceo Non Uro.” WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1935. A CLEARER HORIZON

Recent events and recent utterances of statesmen in Europe have given encouragement to the belief that the war clouds which some months ago appeared to be gathering on the international horizon have retreated before a freshening breeze of co-operation and goodwill. The success of the League of Nations in settling the differences between Yugoslavia and Hungary arising from the assassination of King Alexander, the adjustment of the more important issues in the Saar and the complete agreement which was reached between Italy and France have been reassuring for the peace of Europe and for the final triumph of internationalism over nationalism. Herr Hitler’s latest pronouncement is also encouraging. He avowed that Germany harboured no spirit of revenge against France, would make no more territorial claims, was sincere in her desire for peace, and was in her rearmament programme inspired only with a determination to attain equality of status. There are good grounds for believing that the Nazi leader’s words were not merely rhetorical. He has long shown his hatred of Communism, and his statement that another international conflagration would play into the hands of his enemies is so palpably true as to affirm the sincerity of his assertion that he is working in the interests of peace. While, however, the improved relations among European Powers have considerably lessened the tension, there are still many problems to be solved before the goal of a peaceful world

is reached. The decisiveness of the Saar plebiscite was hailed by many newspapers as an assurance of a harmonious settlement, but the latest news from Italy makes it seem that fresh complications may arise through the attitude of France’s new ally. In the French view on Germany’s rearmament there is also a distinct possibility of trouble, particularly as disagreement may lead to the dangerous pre-war policy of alliances which, while reputedly defensive, may well become offensive when international issues arise. In the Far Eastern situation thex’e is al <;n cause for concern. The naval Negotiations among Britain, the United States and Japan have yet to produce an agreement satisfactory to each party, and with Japan’s intransigence this appears doubtful. But if there are grave issues still to be resolved there is cause for rejoicing that the international situation has greatly improved in the last six months. The statesmen of the Englishspeaking nations are definitely committed to the cause of peace, and the leaders of other nations, despite occasional sabre rattling, are each year realizing more fully that agreement is more natural than conflict, that Geneva’s peace machinery is more effective than armaments, that in the long run right will triumph over might.