THE GERMAN MENACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20340, 12 February 1936, Page 6

THE GERMAN MENACE

To the Editor of " The Timaru Herald - Sir,—At long last it Is universally, freely and openly admitted that the only menace to peace in Europe is Germany (apart from the League). There is “alarm in Holland over Germany’s preparations”; “Russia is frightened of Germany’;; Hitler’s avowed policy is, if possible “to obtain Britain’s friendship or neutrality to secure a free hand to deal with France” (unmistakably plain in its inference) ; “in France there is a general realisation of the German danger which Britain also appreciates”; that headstrong amateur bungler, Mr Anthony Eden, now has to admit that “he is profoundly impressed by the grave situation on account of Germany’s armaments,” and he is forced to the conclusion that “the League cannot be regarded as a substitute for the old type of national defence.” Germany has formed alliances with Japan and Hungary; and, —if we still pursue the mad policy of sanctions,— will very soon join hands with Italy. Germany has three distinct plans of invasion, as complete in detail as in 1913, and, in addition, is feverishly fortifying the island of Sylt. So that, on all counts, anyone who still possesses a mawkish sentimentality on Germany’s account is well beyond the pale of argument, as they have repeatedly been warned. But it is cold comfort to say “I told you so!” Great Britain cannot be altogether happy at the prospect of finding between three and four hundred millions for her defence (if, Indeed, she is granted time to spend it), which I very much doubt—so did Admiral Harper); still less can one relish the certain knowledge that the end can only be another war like unto the last, only far worse in its devastating effects. Meanwhile the supineness and ignorant folly of the past ten or fifteen years is being again exemplified by the many suggestions that have re-

cently been made that Germany should receive back her colonies, and even (almost unbelievable) that the British Empire should hand over certain territories to Germany. That this is no nebulous suggestion is proved by the fact that three distinct motions have been tabled in the British Parliament—one in the Lords and two in the Commons—concerning this alarming possibility. The cleverest, most far-seeing and sanest man in the House of Commons to-day—General Sir Henry Page-Croft—in his motion “desires a guarantee that the Government is not prepared to make British colonies the subject of barter.” So that, even if we have been content heretofore to exist in a state of coma, this latest danger, striking so near home, should surely induce some vitality in this country (of which Timaru is a part) and not lazily leave it to a few stalwarts at Home. Here, at any rate. Is a subject on which we can, and seriously should, raise our voices: a united message to our new Government would speedily result in a similar message from New Zealand to the British Government and would have a weighty and certain result. Is It too much to hope that some one of our foremost patriotic citizens will give the lead, or could not the Mayor convene a public meeting with this object in view? It is really vital urgency since the Home Government have recently been considering this move in return for an arrangement of Air Force agreement with Germany. (This was the real cause of Sir Samuel Hoare’s retirement.) Perhaps, sir, an abler pen than mine will take this matter up.—l am, etc., TOUCHSTONE. Timaru. February 11.