Herr Hitler's long-awaited speech before the Reichstag on Sunday has io some extent been overshadowed by the British Cabinet crisis, but that should not prevent reference being made to it. It contains little if anything which could not have been reasonably expected though, perhaps, some surprise will be felt over Der Fuehter's decision to accord recognition to Manchoukuo. This recognition will be sharply criticized by Chinese circles as amounting to a departure from the strict neutrality which Germany has sought, with some difficulty, to maintain in connection with the present Sino-Japanese hostilities. From maintaining a strict neutrality, Herr Hitler has definitely aligned Germany on the side of Japan. It is apparent that this tightening of the bond between Germany and Japan is inspired by the German determination to carry on the holy war against Communism, but neither Germany, nor the other partners in the Anti-Komintern Pact appear to realize that the action of Japan is not saving China from Communism, but is rapidly driving her into the arms of Moscow. It may be that those portions of China which may eventually be occupied by Japan will be saved from such a fate, but unless the Japanese can capture and dominate the whole of China, it must be apparent that there is a very grave danger of vast tracts of this country ultimately becoming Communistic. It is to be hoped that Herr Hitler's declaration to the effect that Germany recognized the Austrian right to self-determination will be adhered to, and to some extent that announcement may serve to allay anxieties as to what further developments may have Leen contemplated with regard to Austro-German relations. With regard to Der Fuehrer's declaration that Germany had no cause for conflict with Great Britain except as regards German colonial wishes it is pleasing to learn that there is but this one difference between the two countries. Herr Hitler appears to think that it is sufficient for Germany to make a claim for their return and that all Great Britain has then to do is to return them. The matter is not so simple as that, though, perhaps, that version is sufficient for German domestic consumption. Herr Hitler must realize, fully acquainted with the situation as he should be, that the desires of British Dominions have to be taken into consideration, and while there is a strong body of opinion in Great Britain that, perhaps, after all it would not be a dear price to pay for fuller understanding with Germany, some Dominions, notably that of South Africa are by no means agreed that this surrender should take place. The cabled versions of the speech have not included the attack which was made on Mr.
Anthony Eden, and which was heard by wireless even in Shanghai, It is a pity that Herr Hitler should have thought fit to make such an attack at such a juncture in British polities, for the reaction on British public opinion may prove unfortunate. There 1s a large section of British political thought which believes in Mr. Eden, a by no means inconsiderable part which havers between Mr. Eden and the Prime Minister, and animadversions regarding him are more likely than not to crystallize that part in general support of the late Foreign Secretary. It was perfectly proper that Herr Hitler should triumphantly refer to the changes that have taken place in Germany since the accession of his party to power. That wonderful work has been done in mending the fortunes of the nation is indisputable, and though it may not always be possible to sympathize with all that has been done in Germany, either with regard to her internal conditions, or her foreign policy, there can be no doubt that the National Socialist party has succeeded in rebuilding the State in a manner for which generally it deserves the warmest praise.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.