The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1921. OUTLOOK IN CENTRAL EUROPE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1921. OUTLOOK IN CENTRAL EUROPE.

The statement made by the French Premier (M. Briand) that “Europe was on the frontier of a new war,” can more properly be attributed to the excitement of the moment than to any visible cause for alarm consequent oh the decision that has been made concerning the settlement of the boundaries of Silesia. The resignation of the German Chancellor means practically that he is adopting the same tactics as M. Briand. both feeling the need of a vote of confidence, but adopting different means to that end. It may be conceded that the German Chancellor is mortified at his failure to secure a decision on the Silesian division that would be more favorable to Germany than to Poland, while it is equally likely that M. Briand touched the weak spot in Herr Wirth’s position when he expressed the opinion that the latter was “up against the industrial magnates, who were organising Germany’s bankruptcy, in the hope of preventing Germany executing the financial clauses of the treaty.” It may be that the combination of the two factors has rendered Herr Wirth’s position and influence less satisfactory than his high office demands, but that is no sufficient reason for stating that Europe was on the frontier of a new war. Herr Wirth asserts he has done his utmost to fulfil the treaty obligations, and M. Briand generously paid a tribute to the German Chancellor, who has certainly given evidence of ability and desire to take the right course. The fact, is that Herr Stinnes and his coadjutors are getting too strong for Herr Wirth, or any other German Chancellor. They are playing a dangerous game for selfish ends, and Herr Wirth’s resignation will play into their hands at a critical time when feeling naturally runs high in coni sequence of the loss of extensive tracts in Upper Silesia representing a great portion of Germany’s mineral wealth, four-fifths of her factories, and a considerable population, and what aggravates this deprivation is that Poland gains at Germany’s expense. The loss of such valuable taxation resources I may well create a financial posii tion that the Chancellor does not ; care to face, ,as it means increased taxation and probably more seri- ; ous troubles. At the same time, if ; Poland is to become a nation worthy of the name she must have adequate means for attaining strength and progress, and there is little doubt that the terms of ! settlement of the Silesian boundaries are as fair to the people as was possible under the circumstances. The main cause for perturbation over carrying out the treaty terms is the fresh confirmation of Germany’s disposition to evade disarmament, and the persistent contumacy of Bavaria. The London Times considers the real menace is the steady and systematic preparation for a return to the militarist system by the retention of camouflaged officers and men, and the rapid passing through of recruits after intense training. The matter is one that will have to be seriously taken in hand by the Disarmament Commission, and should not be lost sight of by the Washington Conference. Another disturbing factor in Central Europe is ex-Em-peror Karl, who has again arrived in Hungary. It is satisfactory to learn that the Government at Budapest has taken steps to expel this intriguer, who has broken faith with his Swiss hosts, his only excuse being his oath of allegiance to his country—about as valueless as his services. There is, apparently, only one course to adopt with Karl, and that is to jfggy buri undex lock and key, for

it is unthinkable that such a fomentor of trouble should be allowed to disturb the peace of Europe, especially after pledging himself to abstain from all politics. That he is the unwilling tool of unscrupulous Monarchists matters not. If Austria and Hungary cannot control his movements then the Allies must hold him securely, for he cannot be trusted to be at large. If the outlook is dispassionately studied it will be seen that, although there are not wanting the elements of upheaval, yet there is no cause for alarm. So long as the Allies keep the situation in hand there is no danger of a flare up, but constant vigilance, as well as prompt and effective action, will be necessary, as there is no knowing what might result from the accident of a moment.