Western Star WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1938. EUROPEAN OUTLOOK

Western Star, 25 February 1938, Page 2

Western Star WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1938. EUROPEAN OUTLOOK

Events are- moving with startling rapidity, in Europe. Hen - Hitler has now practically absorbed' the whole of Austria, much to the annoyance of Aus>trians, and a large percentage of Italians. No doubt Mussolini has been forced to agree to the action of Hitler in thi s respect, but there is a growing feeling in Italy that the time has com© to break away from Germany and from, an alliance with Britain. Count Dino Gra-ndi has been making representations to the British Government for some weeks past with a view of bringing these countries closer together, and has stated that in view of Italy’s new won empire in Abyssinia it wa s imperative Thai she should share the defence of the Suez Canal. While Italy wants a full share in the trade of the Mediterranean, Hitler desires to expand his power in Austria, Rumania, and the small eastern States. He also wants his African colonies restored, but so far has only made a request, and dare not demand these. Foi’tunately for Britain, she is n °w fully armed, and the country that declares war against her will soon be crashed. So far as Britain i s concerned a rift has occurred by the resignation of Mr R. A. Eden. In the .course of his remarks in the House Mr Eden said the occasion was painful personally and politically. The objectives of the British foreign policy must always be the maintenance of peace. But if peace i s to be enduring it must rest oq the foundation of frank reciprocity and mutual respect. Britain is ever ready to negotiate with all countries, whatever their form of Government in order to promote international understanding. It was hi® conviction that the attitude of the Italian Government adopted in* the Spanish conflict to international problems in general and to Britain in particular, is not yet such as to justify this course. The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) ha s , announced his foreign policy in three'principles: (D the protection of British interests, and the Jives of national's; (2) the maintenance of peace and the settlement of differences peacefully, and not by force; (3) the promotion of friendly relations' with other nations who are willing to reciprocate, and keep the rales of, international conduct, without which there can be no security nor stability. While Mr Eden was Insistent that Italy should withdraw from fcpfuit before an agreement could be entered into between Britain and Italy, Mr Chamberlain is prepared to trust to the honesty of both Italy and Germany in reaching an amicable agreement on foreign affairs. Time alone will tejl whether his attitude will bring peace or create further political turmoil. In the pash both Germany and Italy have broken every pgveement. Fortunately Italy now looks -w'fh flflspicion on the action of Germany, ati4 there j s every reason to hope that fin understanding will be arrived at in the course of a few days between Italy <*pd Britain.

In view of the discontent existing m certain part s of flic British Isles the attitude adopted bv Mr Chamberlain in making overtures to Italy for a better understanding is perhaps the best in. the meantime. Uniortunately the political situation in India, is disqtiiethn:. J'alestine is also in revolt, and a large army is necessary to keep the peace there. Then again the situation in the Bast .is not at all satisfactory, a-fsd outbursts

have occurred principally directed against the Americans. Now that the Singapore base ha s been completed any serious outbreak against Britain or America 'will be quickly smashed. Fortunately England is re-anning at a rapid pace and every day makes- her more invulnerable to attack from her enemies.