The Waikato Times. MONDAY, MAY 22, 1933. A RAY OF HOPE.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18951, 22 May 1933, Page 6

The Waikato Times. MONDAY, MAY 22, 1933. A RAY OF HOPE.

Germany's acceptance of the British disarmament convention has at last become actual fact. In this action, pregnant with the greatest possibilities of world peace, lies hope for a speedy letuin to normal conditions of prosperity and stability. Truly, it was the darkest hour which preceded the dawn, and although Herr Hitlei s speech on Wednesday was unexpectedly mild and reasonable, the acceptance of the convention is none the less a very pleasant surprise.

In announcing at Geneva Germany’s acceptance of the convention, Herr Nadolny has made it clear that it is accepted unconditionally; that is to say, not merely as a basis for discussion, but as a basis for real disarmament. This denotes a very real forwaid step, and further progress at Geneva will be keenly awaited.. As was stated by President, Roosevelt, disarmament is to be achieved step by step, but Europe has previously always baulked at the first step. Now, however, it appears that the second step may be proceeded with.

Herr Nadolny is perfectly frank in his insistence, on behalf of his Government, that the conference should guarantee the disarmament of strongly-armed States and the recognition of Germany s right to equality.. These demands are reasonable enough, and y ceasing to make her acceptance of the convention conditional upon their fulfilment, Germany has thrown upon the Conference the responsibility of seeing that justice is done.

No serious obstacle now remains in the path of the Conference, ■which should make rapid progress. Coming as it does at a time when trade throughout the world is exhibiting healthier symptoms, the smoothing over of the German difficulty should provide a leal stimulus to recovery.

Russ'ia, too, has made a gratifying response to President Roosevelt’s appeal for peace. Throughout the, world there are signs of hope. The very slowness and steadiness which characterise the more tangible manifestations, such as commodity prices, trade returns, and unemployment figures, increase the conviction that the recovery wijj. be permanent, and not merely a spurt anticipatory of the success of the London Conference. ■

Nevertheless the responsibilities of the Conference are still very grave. • If it is no longer necessary to resort to desperate measures to avert the collapse of civilisation, it is none the less essential that wise provision should be made so to harmonise and reform woild currency and monetary systems that future recurrences of the present depression may he avoided. The depression has taught us many valuable lessons. Itjs the earnest hope of the generation which his suffered ■ that they will be applied v before the return of prosperity once more engenders apathy toward any change.