The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1917. THE ATTITUDE OF NEUTRALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1917. THE ATTITUDE OF NEUTRALS.

Judging from the course of action pursued by President Wilson it would appear that he considered the United States was regarded as the leading light amongst neutrals, so that he had only to intimate what course of action other neutrals should pursue in order to receive* their support. Those who pay close attention to the cabled news will have been sorely puzzled in trying to arrive at a satisfactory reason why President Wilson should have failed so woefully in his diplomacy. Recent cables throw considerable light on the unenviable position which the United States new occupies with regard to Germany, for while the Allies have been fully alive to the probable course of action that would be taken by neutral nations other than America, President Wilson seems to have been quite in the dark. Probably the secret is that lie possesses a very inflated notion as to America's power and prestige, but the German authorities as well a» ine press should long since have made it clear to him that in German eyes at least he was of no account. German newspapers openly declare that in view of the attitude tan.en by European neutrals on the question of unrestricted submarining, a rupture with America is of no consequence. 'The German Chancellor (with the experience of the past fresh in his memory) stated to the Reichstag, on January 31, that "the Government had carefully weighed all the possibilities, and was convinced that President Wilson would not break off relations immediately nor adopt a vigorously hostile policy." Count Bernstorff assured the German Government that the United States would not abandon her neutrality in the event of unrestricted snbmarinings, but would only suid one or more notes, resulting in prolonged negotiations, which would probably lead to nothing serious. Count Tisza informed the members of his party that before sending the Note regarding ruthless submarining the Central Powers scunded all European neutrals regarding their possible attitude. As a result of the enquiries the Central Powers learnt that there was no danger of any European neutral undertaking warlike action against Austro-Germany. It was then decided to send the Note. President Wilson so far screwed up his courage as to recall the American Ambassador and to dismiss Count Uernstoril', but he was utterly at fault in estimating the views of other neutrals, and even now he is pursuing a policy of waiting for developments in the hope of resuming a status quo ante with Germany. T)k European neutrals take a far more serious view of a diplomatic rupture than docs President Wilson,.and they naturally feel they have everything to lose and nothing to gain by following America's uncertain lead. While he may, and probably does, regard the rupture of diplomatic relations more as a throat of hostilities that arc not intended by him, than as an actual step leading to war, the neutrals rightly consider such a rupture as the first act of war, and they do not feel inclined to give Germany a plausible excuse for grinding them to mist. Germany has plainly indicated to America that she does not care a snap of the fingers what action America takes, knowing full well that boyond her limited navy the United States is incapable of doing Germany any harm. It is greatly to be regretted that the European neutrals are so impotent, otherwise the course of the war would have been far different, for Germany's downfall would tf.ke a great load of anxiety off their shoulders and cause the greatest retoioinKS. As it la thev are to Germany

of little more consideration than a sandfly, which may get in an irritating puncture, hut can on the moment be squeezed to death without effort. No reasonably intelligent person would ever harbor the idea that these small nations would be so rash as to invite destruction, and they rightly and wisely appreciate tlie value of a neutrality that, is serviceable to the war lords of Germany. The Allies recognise this attitude as the only one that can possibly be expected, and all they require is thilt the neutrality shall he absolute and not partial. Jt is these European neutrals who have been suffering heavily from Hun piracy which they are helpless to prevent. In righting this war to the bitter end the Allies are championing the- cause of these impotent neutrals, and the peace for which wo are striving is one that will give the smaller nations freedom and security That is why Germany must he crushed and be rendered pcwerless to prey upon her neighbors, and it is why the victory must be so complete as to render it impossible for any Power or combination of Powers to a;>ain conspire against the peace of the world.