The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 1933 FRESH ALIGNMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 1933 FRESH ALIGNMENTS.

.It would appear that tlie European nations are meeting the present disturbed international situation on tho Continent by developing iresh alignments.. The co-operation of Italy mid Austria to circumvent the ambitions of Germany on the latter, seems to bo well underway, and Austria is likely to be saved from enforced snbservaneo to Germany. A very notable alignment is that of France and Russia. The Soviet Republic is not going to be self-contained after all, but still seeks outside alliances. The Five Year Plan, which was to accomplish so much in rcching impregnable national security, has not come to pass. Now Russia, like France, lias a common concern about the ambitions of Germany, and to be forvvarned has decided on a measure of alliance to ensure national seurity. These two associations in themselves should be Useful in assisting to maintain a peaceful equilibrium, providing the intimate associations do not develop ambitious rivalries for aggrandisement. These fresh alignments are likely to create some further difficulty in regard to disarmament issues which, after all, are not dead, but are to be considered further. France is fearful about what is going on in Germany, both seen and unseen. Indeed, it- is tho latter which is the gravest cause for alarm, for France appears to Dave information of a definite'character that Germany is re-arming .and preparing a military force of considerable dimensons, Strictly, there is not any need for such a force—which is costly in the extreme. Germany is' safe from the Allies in particular, who would prefer to see the country settled tranquilly so that reparations and loans could be paid, instead of the money due to creditors being sunk in engines of defence and the accumulation of material of no reproductive value, There is the feeling that Germany is wasting her resources which should go to her creditors. Ostensibly,' this is for defence against ia foe which is not discernable on the horizon. It may be that it is one way of avoiding financial obligations to the creditors, while at the same time creating a situation which might in the end bring about some revision of the treaty obligations Germany is responsible for, but not honouring. Britain and France have ’ shown a friendly disposition, also, to : Austria, so that there is the spectacle of Germany standing alone and isoliat- • ed, and not making any sincere attempt to rehabilitate the nation in the eves of the world. Internal events in that country appear to be marked with strange happenings, much of which has been denied, though some of the gravest changes are but too plainly true. Certainly a strange and unexpected internal upheaval is going forward, and its consequences tend towards disquietude in regard to the general peace outlook. There is no doubt Austria sought aid elsewhere because of Germany's new-born ambitions, and probably the groundwork for France and Russia coming to a definite understanding was laid similarly. The fresli alignments at least for the time being, should help to assure the immediate peace of Europe.