SMALL NATIONS’ DILEMMA

Southland Times, Issue 23390, 23 December 1937, Page 5

SMALL NATIONS’ DILEMMA

Rome And Berlin, Or Paris And London?

WATCH ON BRITAIN’S NEGOTIATIONS MR CHURCHILL CONDEMNS BARGAINING POLICY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 22, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 21. “The decision of several important countries is hanging in the balance: whether to join the totalitarian Powers or stand by the League of Nations,” said Mr Winston Churchill, speaking in the debate on foreign affairs in the House of Commons.

These countries were not looking to Britain to fight their battles, but to keep the flag flying in the interests of democracy and parliamentary government, said Mr Churchill. If they thought Britain was making terms at the expense either of small nations or large conceptions a knell of despair would resound in many parts of Europe.

Viscount Halifax’s visit to Herr Hitler had caused widespread commotion, added Mr Churchill. The final result, however, was not only an improvement in British relations with Germany but a reaffirmation of Anglo-French solidarity. “I have the greatest confidence in our relations with France, which are founded on the power of the French Army and the British Fleet and the desire of both countries to keep themselves and others from war,” he declared. 1

Discussing colonies Mr Churchill said Britain must not be singled out for sacrifices. Many people in Britain were willing to make sacrifices to meet German wishes if they were assured it meant genuine and lasting peace; but they would not yield a scrap of territory just to keep the Nazi kettle boiling. Mr Churchill added that the League had not been weakened by the departure of Italy, who had broken every agreement and rejoiced in mocking and insulting every League principle. Winding up the debate, the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) denied that Britain would countenance a colonial settlement at others’ expense. Mr Eden added that there was no assurance of lasting peace until international order and a limitation of armaments were generally accepted. “Britain must do all she honourably can to restore peace and to do her full share, with others, towards fulfilment of her international obligations,” said the Foreign Secretary. “She must also protect British interests and territory. We must be patient yet firm, conciliatory without being defeatist; and we must continue to arm, because it is the only way to get an arms agreement. That is a policy the country will endorse and which we will continue to pursue.”