Nov. 29.
It is by no. means clear whether Signor Mussolini aims definitely at the reorganisation of the League of Nations as part of his reported intention to link up the non-League countries (including Japan and Germany) in a new combination for the Signor Mussolini might be 3 reservation of—world-peace.
suitable agent in such an enter prise, He has been an outspoken: critic of the League. His country is still a full member and officially assurances have been given that that status will be preserved. The onslaughts made on the League during the last two years have produced more critical attitude towards its activities. That is no bad thing. At this juncture when the League's prestige seems t be so gravely tarnished, it receiving a negative testimonial by reason of the sudden spurt in the arming of the nations. Moreover the suggestion that, with Italy's aid, a newer and a better League should be built up on the basis of the damaged structure, directly traverses the Jarguments which would condemn the League to the limbo wherein repose the Holy Alliance of 1815 and the Grand Alliance of 1814 described at the time as, in combination, the greatest constructive attempt at agreement: for peace up to then attempted. Whether the Italian Dictator] will be able to overcome Anierican reluctance to be associated with a revised version of the [Covenant which parted President Woodrow. Wilson from the majority of his countrymen remains to be seen. There are obvious reasons for considering: such a move to be incompatible with President Roosevelt's. strongly nationalist trend of policy. The possibility of a change having been wrought by the magic of M. Litvinoff's new-_ found friendship at Washington must be taken into account.
Great Britain and France have unequivocally re-affirmed their! faith in the League. The anxieties of the smaller nations for its continuance have been manifested beyond doubt. Extra-league efforts to solve the-ques-of disarmament have been defined as, being within the "framework" of the League. The critical observer may rightly] ask whether all this solicitude for the League is merely the formal courtesy of executioners about to- perform the happy: despatch. Is Signor: Mussolini preparing to Kill the animal with
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.