The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1928.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1928.

A RACIAL BAtKCUOrXI). Tin: Runuino-Hungnriaii dispute lias . engaged the attention of the League of Nations during the last few days, and an effort has been made to reduce the tension existing between the two countries. For some time past there has 'Oecii in certain European quarters, says the Lyttelton Times in a review of the situation, a very evident move' to make much of the grievances of Hungary, and newspaper articles directed against the Little Entente have been so persistent that the breach already exising has been dangerously widened. Since the breaking up of the thou-sand-year-old empire and the subsequent readjustments of boundaries, I lie outstanding grievance of Hungary has been tlie inclusion of many of her citizens in the new territory of other countries. The transferred population, chnffng under their new status have been a disturbing element in the countries in which they have I ecu included, and the anger of their compatriots fortunate enough to he left in the reduced Hungary has been a direct incentive to unrest and dissatisfaction. Claims are now being made for Hungary to recover various lost districts, and where that is quite impossible it is asked that the transferred minorities should Ik? accorded fuller freedom in educational, juridical and linguistic matters. Tt is generally agreed that Hungary has been harshly, if not unfairly, treated, hut it is doubtful whether readjustments can he made in the present circumstances, though much is hoped for in the suggested reconstruction of the arbitration tribunal. Roumnnia’s opposition to the proposals is not very encouraging, but the consolidated opinion of the Great Powers in favour of the suggestion may exert sufficient pressure to ensure a basis of agreement. On the face of matters, Hungary’s demands for greater consideration for her transferred population do not appear to 1m? unreasonable, hut they are unlikely to receive much attention if directed by violent propaganda. In fact, it is now generally recognised by (sympathetic nations that this method has been carried too far. Those who are most familiar with conditions in the Danube basin report that it has had the effect of hardening opposition to llm demands of Hungary, and that there is not the slightest indication of willingness on the part of bordering countries to yield one foot of territory. Political agitation lias thus proved a boomerang. Greater results could probably be achieved by closer economic co-operation between Hungary. Austria and Czecbo-Slovakia. They together form the bulk of the old AustroHungarian Empire, blit when the war ?nded and Hungary emerged a small, lingless kingdom, Austria a sadly reluoed State, but a republic, and -zeebo-Slovakia a new republic, each ittempted as bravely ns possible to ustify its existence. As a result, eachet up high protection barriers and set ait to make itself as far as possible inlustriallv and agriculturally indepenlent. Bringing these countries farther appears to be the only road hat will lead to pacification of this rpuhled, area. Political agitation will

not help Hungary; rather will it solidify opinion against: her in the .surrounding States, and the present attitude oi Itoumaiiia appears to be less friendly than it was a while ago. Liberal opinion throughout the world sympathises with a brave and proud people in their just demands, but this sympathy will lie drawn from Hungary if those demands are supported in a manner likely to provoke grave C udlict. economic persuasion and i mediation form a safer road than political agitation. It is hoped that tin; wisdom of the nations in council v. ill bo a’de to find some method for adjusting the differences between Hungary and Roumania. and thus remove a serious menace to the peace of Europe.