The Waikato Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1938 CHANGING SCENE IN EUROPE

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20691, 29 December 1938, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1938 CHANGING SCENE IN EUROPE

Contempt for France and Britain continues to influence the German and Italian foreign policy in an astonishing series of demands for territorial, trade and other advantages. The latest suggestion that Germany will shortly demand the return of war reparations payments of £500,000,000 to France and £120,000,000 to Britain is further evidence of the belief of Herr Hitler that he has I lance and Britain “on the run." will probably not be difficult tor the leaders to convince the German people that since they have repudiated the “war guilt” clauses of the Peace Treaty, the payment of lepaiations was a wholly unjust imposition on an innocent people. It would not be surprising if Germany made an attempt to shift the war guilt on to the shoulders of France and Britain. Although it cannot hope to succeed in establishing that view abroad, there is no limit to what propaganda might do in Germany. The claim is fantastic, but then so have been many other demands made by Germany in recent years. It is an interesting commentary on the present German mentality that it should regard France and Britain as defeated nations, vanquished in the “diplomatic” skirmishes in Europe and so fit subjects for the extortion of reparations. No matter who caused the war or who precipitated the more recent crisis in Europe; the vanquished should pay. The time seems to be not far distant when Britain and France will find it necessary to reply to Germany in the forcible manner adopted by the United States, unless reason is allowed to prevail and the Munich declarations are implemented.

French realisation of the position is shown by M. Blum’s sudden change of front Leader of the Socialist Party and a keen advocate of peace, he has had to cast aside his cherished ambitions to fight for the freedom of France. He has realised the futility of unarmed pacifism with Germany on the warpath of expansion and has nobly led his powerful party into the camp of his political adversary so that France may present a united front to Germany and Italy. M. Daladier’s bold visit to Corsica under cover of a powerful naval escort, and Signor Mussolini’s counter naval demonstration, will be watched with interest.

In the meantime the Italian newspapers allege that Germany supports Italy’s territorial claims against France in the Mediterranean, and that Britain refuses to support France in her refusal to cede territory. Thus Italy believes France must eventually surrender to the force of circumstances. That is the atmosphere in which Mr Neville Chamberlain will make bis eagerly awaited visit to Rome next month. What is in the mind of the British Prime Minister ? It can be taken for granted that he will use all his powers of persuasion for the maintenance of the status quo in the Mediterranean and of peace in Europe. Will he succeed in his appeal for peace in the name of common humanity ? Failure of his mission might well be disastrous for Europe and the world, but there is yet no need to anticipate failure. Britain and France now have more confidence in their own strength, and the world is not yet prepared to believe that Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler are completely devoid of the powers of reasoning or some spark of regard for the welfare of mankind.