The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1939. War-Time Diplomacy

Southland Times, Issue 23921, 13 September 1939, Page 6

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1939. War-Time Diplomacy

REPORTS from various sources indicate that European diplomacy has been intensified since the outbreak of war. According to the London correspondenjt of The,New York Times, British'and French diplomats are trying to create a neutral bloc in the Balkans, and it is suggested that the Turkish Government is co-operat-ing actively. From Rome comes a report that Signor Mussolini “has a plan,” and that in the meantime the Italian public has been asked to refrain from partisanship.' In Russia the people are finding it difficult to adjust themselves to the idea that the Nazis are now their friends instead of the enemies they have been taught to regard with scorn and hatred. They are also alarmed at the thought that Germany’s frontier is drawing nearer their own. It need not be surprising, therefore, if the oracles of Moscow speak ambiguously, and if there are signs of change or modification in Soviet foreign policy. Only a reckless prophet would attempt to anticipate the final decision of M. Stalin, who at this moment may not know himself which way events will lead him. But there is one factor which should be kept in mind by those who attempt to understand the contradictions and surprises of war-time diplomacy. In ten days the political situation has been completely changed. Before Herr Hitler ordered the Nazi divisions to march into Poland the diplomats of Europe could still work on the assumption that war might not take place. Behind the facade of bluff and propaganda the Nazi leaders continued to assure the German people that the agreement with Russia had made it impossible for Britain and France to assist Poland, and that therefore the democracies would ignominiously retreat from the threat of force. If- there is any hint of official opinion behind the message from the Moscow correspondent of The New York Times it is reasonable to believe that the same theory may have been accepted at the Kremlin. New Weapons

The German-Russian pact was in itself ’ a powerful diplomatic weapon that could have been used to advantage if hostilities had been averted. But now it is too late. British and French armies are methodically forcing a breach in the outer fortifications of the Siegfried Line. The British Government has announced in the plainest, terms that the war will continue until the Nazis and their hateful system have been swept from Germany, either by military action from outside or by political changes within the Reich. All diplomacy must now be based on the iron facts of war. Unquestionably there will be much intrigue in the European capitals. But the tactics of bluff and blackmail that promised success in an armed peace have become suddenly dangerous. The statesmen and leaders who are watching events and judging the chances of victory and defeat must know that a single error might plunge them into the conflict. It is no longer possible to gamble on the assumption that Britain and France will not fight: this foolish delusion was shattered by the first shells from the Maginot Line and by the bombs that fell at Wilhelmshaven. When the nations are at war the advantage in diplomacy shifts at once to those that are strong in military and economic resources. If there is bargaining behind the scenes the British and French representatives will henceforth receive respectful attention.