Games in various. countries of late have given news of the breaking of records, the discovery of new champions and. the general development a fine spirit of emulation which will find international expression in due course at the Games themselves.
Tt is impossible to attempt to assess the significance of these admirable dress rehearsals, if the term may be Feverently used. The interest, which the Games are awakening will show Hiselt in due course and it may then be appropriate to come to some conclusion regarding the relative Strengths of the different national teams, China has made a very credi-fable effort to send a handful of athletic representatives and. they modestly do not expect to do more then make good rst appearance in more experienced company. Reports from Germany indicate that the authorities responsible for the Games have made wonderful arrangements and It seems probable that they will eclipse anything hitherto attempted. The spirit thus exemplified is to be commended for enthusiasm is a natural stimulant {o sportsmanship and on that quality the promoters of the Olympic Games In recent years have rightly laid special. stress. International rivalry sport is beneficial only if it can be indulged without detriment to personal relations. Indeed, judging from the success of the last Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the cultivation of friendships and international esteem is even more valuable than the achleverents in athletic prowess. Important though they be.
It Is most satisfactory to note that Germany and Austria have come a solution of their differences. The Femoval of causes of friction between two countries which have such close cultural and economic ties must be welcomed on many grounds. It seems to promise the casing of tension in Central Europe and, unless unforeseen difficulties arise, it should {aellitate the approach to other pro Jems which require solution in tie Interests of European stability, By means of this agreement Germany and Tialy are brought into close con~ {eet and It Is possible that the way to fa general discussion between them, France and Great Britain may be cleared. Any idea of reviving the Four Power Pact is expressly disclaimed at Rome. For that there may bbe no special mourning. The removal of "sanctions" does restore the status quo in European relationships for uch has happened since last October and Signor Mussolini is probably well advised {0 adopt an interrogative titude for the moment, The Ger man-Ausirian accord may be the beinning of a real effort on Europe's part to restore the machinery of peace-construction. In certain Greumstances it may have a more Sinister signifteance as the recovery Of the technique of power diplomacy {in its most uncompromising form.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.