Aprit 30, Without attempting to determine the accuracy of the forecasts which purport {0 outline the probable features of the British Government's commentary on the German and French peace proposals, it is useful to consider certain aspects of British policy in the present European crisis, Inevitably Great Britain feels that she is charged to find a compromise between the German and French views, She does not assume this responsibility in any spirit of superior wisdom, but because circumstances have brought her in closer individual touch with each nation and yet have endowed her with a certain freedom of detachment. Moreover, convinced as she is that the ultimate solution of Europe's diMiculties must emerge from observance of the principles of the Covenant—whether revised or—not—she believes that, at this stage, the role of mediator rather than' partisan accords best with her conception of duty to the League, On this point Mr, Winston Churchill was sug-festive when, three weeks ago, ho told the House of Commons that he agreed with Mr. C. R. Attlee that Herr Hitler's proposals should be discussed at Geneva and that Great Brituin's answers should have "the broadest possible backing of the Powers associated under the Covenant." He added:
Tt does not follow because the League of Nations has eon effective and impotent in protecting Abyssinia—however much we may regret it—that It will not have real power to deal with perils which have arisen in Northern Europe, We have great nations banded together by solemn treaties whose interests are affected, We have small nations who individually may be helpless, but, who, organized fand united under the authority of the League, may exert a very real power indeed. The League of Nations in dealing with these mate fers in all the anxious countries ought not to lack champions. here is safely in numbers, There may be peace in numbers, Much depends on Germany's ability to receive the essential needs of British policy.
German comments have seemed to place undue reliance on the uns doubted existence in Great Britain of a strong sympathy with G many's general position, They overlook the danger of any obduracy which may flatter itself that it is driving a wedge between Great Brilain and France. No doubt Great Brilain, anxious to preserve her own peace, Could purchase temporary immunity from war by disregarding her obligations to France. That course of ai would not be approved by the present Government at Westminster nor by the majority of primarily to the League than in stressing the ties with France, Failure to recogni this factor in British policy will merely bring about the very condition which Germany is supposed to be anxious to avoid. British faith is pledged by Locarno as Mr. Anthony Eden, without contradiction, rearmed in the House of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.