The Waikato Times With which ts Incorporated The Waikato Argus. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1932. THE NAZI VICTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18623, 29 April 1932, Page 6

The Waikato Times With which ts Incorporated The Waikato Argus. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1932. THE NAZI VICTORY.

The success of the Nazis at the Prussian general election is something to be sincerely deplored. How much mischief it will do, it is impossible to say, but it Is certain to be considerable. It is in the effect which it will have on the general election to be held in France in a few days that the most harm will be done. There la nothing -surprising in the Nazi success; it was in fact certain to come In time. There are many foolish and mischievous proposals in Herr Hitler’s programme, but the one item of refusing to pay any more reparations, and insisting on an army in proportion to that of other countries was certain to attract the support of every hardpressed business man and every patriotic German youth. It is certain that in a similar position the majority of New Zealanders would have been mucji greater. Stresemann worked for a constitutional process of restoring Germany’s position, and since his death Dr. Bruening has done the same. They achieved some success, but it was not much.

A week ago Nr. Tardieu, the French Prime Minister refused, at the Disarmament Conference to reduce the French Army or to agree that Germany should enlarge hers. Such an attitude is enough to account for the success of the Nazis. It Is possible that M. Tardieu was not sorry to improve the chances of the Nazis, for their success would greatly improve the prospects of his own party at the French election. But whether ills 'Statement was or was not made from a party point of view it was one which is far too important to the peace of Europe to be allowed to pass.

It is the eternal quarrel between France and Germany that prevents any revival of confidence in Europe. There is no need to assess the amount of responsibility for which each of these countries is liable, hut there can he no question that, at present, France is most to blame. There was a hope, some months ago, that the election tc be held in Franco shortly would result in a victory of parties of tho Left who might, have taken a more reasonable attitude towards Germany, but the success of the Nazis renders this unlikely. As the Nazis have not achieved an entire success, suggestion:; have been made that they should negotiate with tlie Catholic centre for a i?vision of power, it is to he feared that the wish is father to the thought. Tho Nazis have grown in strengtli rapidly. They have always been confident, and over-confident. They are scarcely likely to consent to share the power

which they 1 hink will ho fheirs with any other party, it is their overconfident attitude which makes them such a threat to Europe.

Wo have heard no more about the agreement which was reported to have been reached between Britain and France to recommend that conditional reparations should be abolished and unconditional reparations halved. This would reduce the total to about 25 per cent, of the sum now payable, and would be a fair settlement. If it had been proposed three years ago we might never have heard of the Nazis, and certainly should not have seen them in such strength as to-day. As it is the Nazis If they are in power will refuse any payment, and the creditor countries will not agree to this. The conflict contains the possibility of war for France will be ready enough to march into Germany to enforce payment. Britain will have then to decide which side she is 'on, and whichever way she decides will probably And half the population thinking differently. >

A year or two back it would have been said that no war was possible for a generation at least, but now it must be acknowledged to be much more possible. Yet all are agreed upon the infinite harm that would result from war. In the present state of the world it would mean the disappearance of all the methods by which industry has carried on In the past. So long as revolution Is confined to other countries we can read about it with languid curiosity, hut If it came nearer home we should feel differently. We should not like to see the sort of people who broke shop windows in Auckland, put Into power. Yet, so olosely is one country connected with another that a revolution cannot take place in one without affecting another. The Nazis would take the law into their own hands, which can hardly be allowed.

The attitude of France has brought this about. They may be compared with the mortgagee who will not listen to reason and has to be dealt with by the law. After all the greatest wisdom is often akin to generosity, but there seems to be no way of bringing France to see this.