“Taranaki Central Press” MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1937, THE LONG-AWAITED SPEECH.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 348, 1 February 1937, Page 4

“Taranaki Central Press” MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1937, THE LONG-AWAITED SPEECH.

The world has been waiting for the promised declaration of Germany’s foreign policy by Herr Hitler. At last it has come—a string of pacific utterances designed to avoid controversy as much as possible yet carrying the firm declaration of Germany, as represented by the Nazis, to conduct her affairs as she wishes without reference to any clause in the Versailles Treaty of 1919 and without fear of other nations. Generally however, the Fuhrer struck a note of moderation which was hardly expected. There were no defiant attacks on other policies, while towards France there was a solemn declaration of pacific intention. The League of Nations, however, was sneered at, and that in itself will not be received warmly in France and Britain, where the League is regarded as the pivot of foreign policy. The constitutional aspect of Herr Hitler’s address seems confind to his “eight points of pacification.’’ But they might well be termed "gloriously indefinite.” There is in them an absence of practicality which might mean insincerity. The tepid reception of the speech in France seems to indicate that country’s uncertainty of Hitler’s declaration in general. Not one of the points enumerated is really constructional. Rather are they all generalities without being in any way a contribution to world peace. Stable internal conditions, frank admission of national interests, mutual respect — these points are only words, meaningless from a world standpoint and more in keeping with a political election address than a contribution to world affairs. What will be the outcome? That is the real point at issue. Even from so far away it is not difficult to see that the ultimate results of the Fuhrer’s Saturday speech will be merely a stimulus to German egotism. The occasion gave the pomp-loving Germans an opportunity to display their growing power and give vent to extravagant manifestations of military splendour. The rest of the world waited eagerly for definite expressions of Germany’s readiness to collaborate in world affairs. Instead, now, of rejoicing, it goes on the way of Friday last minus the free co-operation of the one nation in Europe which could do more than any other to develop a state of quietude instead of continued uneasiness.