The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14, 1927. HOPEFUL SIGNS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14, 1927. HOPEFUL SIGNS.

Matters are progressing very favourably at: the League of Nations, although the comment on the agenda paper at the outset was of a very colorless nature. The unconditional acceptance by Dr Stressmann, on behalf of Germany, of the optional clauses of The Hague Court has created a profound impression among the delegates of the League of Nations Assembly, M. Briand, going so far as to declare that it removed the last clouds between France and Germany, and that these two nations were now able to meet openly and discuss the most delicate question affecting them. Sir Austen Chamberlain has complimented the two nations on their revised atitude. The improved FrancoGerman relations are certainly very hopeful signs of an all-round improvement in the peace outlook for Europe. The present session of the League Assembly at Geneva promises to be a very memorable one. It is recognised as a step of first-class national importance, and it is regarded as a first round victory for the opponents of the attempt by Poland and Holland to revivfy the principles of the Geneva Protocol. M Briand declared that Germany had removed the last clouds, and France and Gemany would be able to meet openly and discuss the most delicate question, which previously had seemed inconceivable. It is expected that there w : " be further fights in committee, but British circles do not fear any serious resurrection of the most objectionable feat ties of the Protocol. By accepting the optional clauses of The Hague Court Germany agrees to the principle of compulsory arbitration, and this attitude is regarded by France as most acceptable. If the mistrust and distrust lietween France and Germany can be allayed, it is manifest there v,ill be a great gain towards a settled peace. As old enemies jealous of the designs of each other, and ever watchful of frontier movements, there was the constant strain watching possible aggressive developments. If this feeling is now past, it is manifest an immense gain has been made, and the peace of Europe is more assured than over it was. Sir Austen Chamberlain in his lengthy speech showed how gratified he was at the progress made. He regarded the reapproachmont of France and Germany as a stepping stone for other nations to follow in their singular cases, and thereby achieve results no less satisfactory. He made it plain that Britain could not guarantee all the frontiers of Europe. There must be co-operation between the other nations concerned, and with the lead given in the Franco-German move, all things appeared possible to him. The British representative delivered a speech of remarkable plainness of thought It was clear that Sir Austen was relieved by the turn in events, and he felt he could talk plainly. The advice he tendered the European countries was verv precise, but he had facts to build upon, and he did so in unequivocal langunge. In his connection ■with European politics, Sir Austin has been a very notable figure of late, and in all his good work he has done nothing finer than in his latest speech. Tt as more than a review of the facts, it was well considered judgments on possibilities which all the nations couM achieve if they were practical and rea-

salable in approaching their iiiternalionl problems. Therein is too genii of the whole work of the League for Nations—to substitute reason for unreason—to arbitrate before thinking of war. Voiced in this light, it can well be understood the gi atiiicat inn of all the parties to the new attitude of France and Germany one to the other. To attain so great si gain it was surely well worth while u> admit Germany in the league of Nation-, and having admitted her. it was but rational that Get many should eoidci m in all things sensihe. It is a great example for Europe and the world at large, and appears to he a stepping stone to other and .greater achievements. AS Sir Austin said, ‘‘to-day s impossibilities might Do achievable to-morrow.’’-There is more in thin cryptic- utterance than is apparent to the mind, and great things, all things in fact, are yet possible.