ISLAM ROUSED?

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 443, 26 May 1937, Page 7

ISLAM ROUSED?

PROPAGANDA FOR WAR Incitement To Arabs The success.' of French Premier M. Blum’s defence loan and the longawaited replies on the new Locarno from Germany and Italy have been in the headlines, writes Frederic Sondern from Rome to the “San Francisco Chronicle.” But the attention of European statesmen has been centred on II Duce’s triumphal procession on the North African coast. Governor I alo Balbo spread the watchword of the new Italian empire: “11 Duce as the protector of Islam, the leader of the Mohammedans, the defender of Rome —mother of all Mediterranean peoples.” Nor were these regarded, as empty words. Ibn Saud and other Arab potentates sent emissaries to accompany and. confer with Mussolini en route from the French border to the edge of Britain’s Egypt along Balbo’s magnificent strategic road which skirts the coast. The procession was in full view of lhe Italian battle squadrons. Il Duce impressed the lega/tes with rosy promises of trade, hospitals, schools'. His keynote was tlha't the new Roman empire will be a peer among the greates- 1 European Powers, but unlike the latter it will protect rather than exploit the interests.of Islam. He indicated 'that a native army of 100,000 Ethiopian? will soon be organised to demonstrate Italy’s purpose to the other nations. Agents in Palestine. The anxiety among London and Paris statesmen repor ed in London has heightened. The Bari radio sender is taking up Nazi catchwords and openly inciting the Arabs to an anti-Jewish campaign in Palestine. British authorities in that area report an influx of Italian agents with pernicious motives and dangerous propaganda material that constitute the groundwork of the holy war Mussolini is.- agitating.

Although Whitehall is sceptical, insiders comment that Britain actually is strong enough now to cope with any possible trouble. Nevertheless, recent incidents have strengthened the resolution of Britain and France •hat Hitler is to be granted no colonies. A Foreign Office authority informed this correspondent that Britain alone is capable of handling Mussolini anywhere, but Hitler must not be permitted to gain a foothold in Africa from which lie can send help •*o hig fellow-dictator. Sir Samuel Hoare carefully timed his comments before the House of Commons “in order to provide Mussolini With a cold shower to cool the heat of his African dreams,” as he himself said privately. He wants another £lOO,OOO for. 150 ships. Warships are now, he says, almost immune from air attack. The Admiralty chief feels that the naval rivalry between his country and the United States ig at Jast ended.

The Quai d’Orsay is equally worried over the unreet Mussolini is s irring up in Algeria and Morocco, vital reservoirs of man power and raw material for France. “11 Duce’s new great African power is creating an unforeseen but none the less potent factor in European politics,’’ declared an insider. So the new pact talks will open under an evil omen. French financial insiders credit Washington with the success of Premier Blum’s £100,000,000 defence loan. That floatation was reio-arded as a significant diplomatic gesture;— in addition to its economic import-ance-paralleling Great Britain’s tremendous' arms appropriations. The dictators' are expected to deduce dhat any violence is bound to gitir up a stiff battle. Money from America. M. Blum now faces the problem of repatriating money invested in the United States by large French flnan. ciers who are not susceptible to the call Of patriotism. He hae solicited advice on the matter from Piesident Roosevelt a I’Ambassador Bullitt, who suggested that a return to liberal economic policies, free movement of gold, and governmental economies might restore confidence in French stability. The French Premier hoped that Mr. Roosevelt, who wants.' to get rid of the so-called hot money/' would threaten high taxes on foreign capital and thus openly assure France of American support. The bargain is said to have cjicked, and millions invested with the house of Morgan are expected to return to French shores. Secretary Morgen'ban’s declaration

that the Johnson law will be enforced to the letter is a blow to Paris statesmen. Ambassador Bonnet had reported that the President might be willing to close one eye to lending abroad by private banks and to pub. lie institutions.' who were paying coupons, but, he continued, Mr Roosevelt hesitated to risk stirring up the Senate isolationists at the height of the Supreme Court controversy. Paris is, therefore,, very much disappointed with the outcome of Mr. Bonnet’s mission. Financial insiders blame Premier Blum for disregarding the advice of French and American circles who urge sending as Ambassador an. ingenuous-looking individual who knew American politics and could crack jok« s with Senator Borah —’iiot the obviously shrewd French man. Paris hears that President Roosevelt and Ambassador L'lnUitit are now consul l ing on the next step. The Blum regime it entering its crucial stage. A month will decide which path it will follow, “a little left of centre like Roosevelt, or very ' left,” as the Premier himself words it. The “Two Hundred Families” are getting their last chance to abandon their merciless anti-Blum sabotage campaign. As an inducement M Blum has promised that there will be no more Socialistic laws, no experiments—un j til after the Paris Exposition IndusI try will be allowed a “breathing spell” ’ io become adjusted to the new conditions. The capitalists must bring their money back to France, - lower prices', and promise to behave, otherwise the Government will redistribute their wealth with a vengeance-—using dictatorial methods if necessary. .