The Waikato Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1939 DICTATORS’ OPPORTUNITY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20783, 18 April 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1939 DICTATORS’ OPPORTUNITY

President Roosevelt’s appeal to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolhi to declare for peace has much wider implications than are contained in the words at their face value. In a world of reason there could he only one reply to such an eloquent plea for the salvation of humanity from the horrors of war, but unhappily the world for the time being is ruled not by reason but by its very antithisis. Therefore, most people, while anticipating a not wholly favourable reply from the dictators, will seek for other possible results from Mr Roosevelt s intervention. The appeal may have a powerful influence in strengthening the “peace front,” and if it does that it will ha\e been well worth while, even though it might have failed in its primary objective. Mr Roosevelt asked the dictators to give assurances, which should be reciprocated, that the peace and independence of a large number of countries which he named would not be menaced. Thus he has ranged that formidable list of States side by side, as an English newspaper points out, as possible victims of aggression. The dangers of the future must be brought home to all the countries named, and they are bound to seek security of some kind if no guarantee is forthcoming from Germany and Italy that their integrity will be respected. Is there any better hope of security than in the combined action of the “peace front”? Individually, the States named have no chance of saving themselves if Germany and Italy determine upon their absorption. Neutrality will not save them. Of course the two dictators have not yet replied, but why should they hesitate ? Can they suggest any substantial sinister motive behind President Roosevelt’s appeal ? The very fact that they do hesitate 'will be taken as a sign that they are not anxious to change their policy of expansion at the expense of other nations. Bitterly sarcastic comment that has been made to appear in the Nazi-con-trolled press is not a hopeful augury. Herr Hitler is expected to reply after the anniversary of his birthday on Thursday, and much depends upon the nature of that reply. Peoples of many nations cannot fail to conjure up the possibilities of the near future should Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini wholeheartedly accept Mr Roosevelt’s plan. The dictators have it in their power to electrify the world with a new thrill of hope and to alter the whole course of history. They have the opportunity of becoming great figures in the story of human progress, or of remaining the sinister destroying agents that many peoples have been forced to believe them to be. With what enthusiasm the world could set about the task of reconstruction were it freed from the fear of war ! With what determination will the peace front gird its loins and prepare for the defence of right against might if Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini with unbelievable stubbornness turn their backs upon Mr Roosevelt’s reasoned appeal !