The Guardian And Evening with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1929.

A PROMISING SITUATION. Tun occasion lor an Angl..-American mutual unuerstandmg ui a satisfactory character, appears to lie very promising. I lie iat.mur Government Inis entered upon office at an opportune time lor such a step, the position being further saiisuictory tnat one .so well versed in the European situation as General Dawes is now the United states Ambassador to Great Britain. There is also the fact that the President (.Ah’ Hoover) is exceed.ngly wellinformed personally • regarding the European courts, and his close intimacy with General Dawes, means very intimate co-operation between them in regard to matters across the Atlantic. It seems likely that there will be a very lorward movement in regard to the international relations between Great Britain and the United States, .dr Dawes has blamed the experts in the past for delaying a proper understanding regarding naval interests. He added, however, that it was their business to take charge of the particular aspect of the ease affecting their interests. But it is clear from what ' has been said by British statesmen Unit Great Britain could not, if she would, emulate the navy the United States could provide, if it came to a matter of spending dollars. The United States has made it plain that the country is disposed to outpace Britain in the building of capital ships, if tlie latter is not disposed to come to a mutual agreement on details bearing naval control. In other words, the united States will brook no opposition to the desiro to have absolute parity if not superiority. Doubtless the conversations now going on will clear the air, and make plain that the Ties ires of America are not of bellicose intent against Britain, but the wish to be equal if not superior to the Great Power which has ruled the waves for so long. The present Prime Minister of Great Britain may he numbered as one of those who would believe that war between the two countries is unthinkable. Air Hoover, we may also be sure Is also one who does not dream that such a conflict is possible. The two leading minds being at one on the chief aspect of the need for navies, may be trusted therefore to lead a discussion which wili trend towards a better understanding and by a frank confession of the facts agree to recognise the views of each and to Understand the mutual viewpoint without imagining the worst of each other/ The experts on each side will not be so amenabe Lo this frank understanding, and for a time there will be noise and clamour about the details, but jit the moment the way seems open to a new and better understanding, and the ex,perts should not be allowed to intervene in any way to mar the possible arrangements. The value of a clear understanding between the two countries will be a great factor in world peace. There need be no pact, we take it, or anything written which may alarm other Powers. The foreign nations are not by any means trnctable, and it is not easy to make them comprehend. There is always the language difficulty. That does not affect the Anglo-American situation. Those two nations may understand, and understanding will be able to treat with tne other Powers in a more comprehensive way. Air Ramsay AlacDonaid’s opportunity in this matter should make his premiership notable in history. It will he possible to pave the way to a permanent peace so far as. tlie Great Powers are concerned, and to improve pence oil the lesser Powers who are often so ready to resort to war to settle their misunderstandings. The present seems to lie the time and the hour for the possible Anglo-Ameri-can understanding, and Alessrs MacDonald and Hoover as tlie men lo set the understanding, so that all the world in the days to come may reap the fruits of the sensible course it is now so opportunely possible to pursue.