The New States.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1922, Page 1

The New States.

AT THE CONFERENCE

j Any rupture between France and j England, such as has been recently sugj gested, would be viewed with alarm by i the new States which have been formed in Europe as a result of the war. Since I its inception the Little' Entente— Czeclio-,Slovakia, Roinnania, and Jugoslavia—has bent its energies to keep the Great Entente in good working order. as it is recognised that a good understanding between Franco and England is indispensable for tli peaceful evolution of Europe. The new States, situated as they arc between Germany and Russia, are intensely concerned in all the problems relating, to the rehabilitation of Europe, anil the apparent neglect of their interests by the Genoa Conference would make it appear that the general political outlook of t! ip great Powers lias not changed much as a result of tile war. To all appearances the great Powers are still Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia ; and the Foreign Offices of those countries completely disregard the change in the map of Europe, and the rise oi new nations (some impressive in their imputations), which are vigorously claiming their rights. Tii connection with the preparations for Genoa Dr Bones, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Czc el l o-Sl a via, visited Paris and Loudon, and exerted considerable influence towards bringing about a better understanding between the Frepeh and English Governments, following on the somewhat strained relations which Mqx‘rvened upon the fall of M. Briand. Dr Belies emphasised the great importance to the now States of the successful outcome of the Genoa ('(inference, particularly as those Stales had established such amicable relations amongst themselves. They bail discovered the filings of paramount importance to their successful development, and had agreed to drop the old frontier .and other disagreements, which had kept them apart since the armistice. The idea of the Bnlknnisation of Europe has been spread by the Germans and their friends, and has been too readily accepted by those who have not troubled to acquaint themselves with the new conditions. Tt was to prevent that Bnlknnisation (which would have been in the interests of the Hohetif.ol-! lcriis anil the ITapsburgs) that the Little Entente was formed. By securing the support of Poland and by establishing concord with Austria, it has shown that it is acting in the spirit of the League of Nations, and it has already done much for the consolidation of the broad belt lying between Germany and Russia. The grotip of new 3stat.es containing SO millions of people have acquired , a right to be heard with respect at a confluence called to solve the problems of Europe, and, judging by the reports telegraphed out here, their influence lias* made for a hotter understanding of the complicated issues discussed, even though they have not received all that consideration which is due to them. The Russo-German pact may, perhaps, make the Allied statesmen and financiers realise the danger of favoring German enterprise outside Germany, instead of assisting in the development of industry in the new States. In their own country ' the Germans have been deprived of the immediate possibilities of military expansion, but they are vigorously carrying out the old policy in the economic sphere, and are endangering the freedom of the new States and tlio. ultimate peace of the world. The possibilities of the successful investment of English and American capital in the new States have hitherto been sadly neglected. . There is more than the German-Russian question which demands consideration at the Genua Conference, and it is to be hoped that before it is closed the Conference will shape its course in conformity with the League of Nations by paying attention to the just'claims of those countries which has not hitherto boon included in the concert of the Groat Bowers.