The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1933. TWISTING THE TAIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1933. TWISTING THE TAIL.

Ihe latest action by Germany in regard to disarmament and secession irom tiie League of Nations, appears to be very like the act of twisting the Alllies’ tail—a figure of speech once applied to the British lion. Germany evidently thinks matters are at such a stage that there is nothing to lose but everything to gain in carrying her demands for military recognition to the extreme possible. Actually the Allies have been very tolerant of the excesses which have marked overman action in more ways than one. It may be that Germany has been •endeavourng to ! cause disruption among the Allies, but whatever hope there might have been in that regard, should now be dissipated. Herr Hitler as been responsible for a most extravagant statement in his review of the position as ha sees it, and it may bo that there is a strain of madness in the course he is directing. Germany under the present leadership, despite the treaty conditions, ignores aU obligations, and her leaders have been able to play upon the feelings of the nation in a manner which is quite remarkable. We have seen revealed in late actions and episodes, conditions in keeping with medieval stories, and the wonder was, where was it all to end. The policy of tiie country has been carried to a stage now, which is seme answer to the dilemma. Germany is openly defiant, and the next move will have to come from the Allies. Will the nation have to bo disciplined by the Allies, or will 1 some influence be used to< turn the country bade into more promising lines! Mussolini is credited with having some personal influence with Hitler, and he is expected to make some move. It would appear, however, that something more impressive than words will bo required to return Germany to a more sensible realisation of the position. For the time being hope of disarmament on the scale once so promising, is relegated once again to the, back ground, and, the Powers will be bent o n more serious business. Matters appear to he shaping promisingly, and even France, was prepared to make concessions at the risk of the Premier’s office. The United States re-

mains a somewhat uncertain quantity in the real issue, more particularly now that President Roosevelt’s foreign

policy is being summed up as the ‘‘big neighbour,” more anxious to help than to retard. But it would appear, Germany is not disposed to accept the help the Allies are disposed to give, no matter to what length the protestations of goodwill may go-. The crux of the situation is that the Allies do not trust Germany’s word, and the latest incident gives point 'to that lack of credence. Hitler is prepared to manufacture a situation to suit his own policy of aggrandisement, and then nose as the injured one. In the light of events and the spectacle revealed in Germany under Hitler’s leadership, such a pose is ridiculous. The allies have a difficult task now to compose the present development without serious differences of opinion as to the real remedy. Meantime there is cause enough to again start a race in armaments, but how far Germany can go that way fineneially 'is sure to be watched closelv by the debtors of the nation—the Allies who have the power and right to intervene.