Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, MAY 9, 1938. MODERATION ALL ROUND?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1938, Page 6

Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, MAY 9, 1938. MODERATION ALL ROUND?

J)IPLOMATIC efforts to make Czechoslovakia less than

it has been a storm-centre in Europe are to be undertaken this week, according to a cablegram from London published on Saturday. The British and French Ministers in Prague are to urge upon the Czechoslovakian Prime Minister (Dr Hodza) “the utmost concession to German claims.” At the same time, the British Ambassador in Berlin is to call on Marshal Goering, head of the State in Herr Hitler’s absence, and urge that Germany use her efforts in conciliation, “pointing out that a clash might lead to the gravest consequences throughout Europe.” This last phrase might almost be interpreted as conveying a warning to Germany on the subject of Czechoslovakia which the British Prime Minister (Mr Chamberlain) explicitly abstained from giving in his last reference to that country in the House of Commons.

The best hope in sight perhaps is that Herr Hitler may be constrained to recognise that the time is_ by no means opportune for a further extension of “strong-arm” tactics in Europe. In spite of all the parade and display of the visit to Italy, some hints have appeared of a jarring of the Rome-Berlin axis, notably in a brief reference to something less than entirely amicable discussions between Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini on the subject of the use by Germany of the Adriatic port of Trieste.

A German semi-official statement, mentioned in one of Saturday’s messages, embodied some blustering criticisms of foreign press reports of Herr Hitler’s visit. It would in fact be surprising if these reports were altogether to the liking of official Germany, for obvious grounds of difference between Germany and Italy are forcing themselves on attention and cannot be covered up by theatrical professions and displays of friendship like those now being staged in Italian cities. To date these professions and displays have been decidedly unconvincing and indeed they have been in some particulars, as reports stand, remarkably inexplicit.

No amount of talk about the Rome-Berlin, or Rome-Berlin-Tokio axis could dispose, in any case, of the fact that the German seizure of Austria was a development diametrically opposed to the interests of Italy and one which seriously undermines her future security. It is as difficult as ever to account on any reasonable ground for Signor Mussolini’s complaisant acquiescence in Germany’s seizure of a buffer State which the Once only a few years ago declared himself ready to maintain and defend by force of arms.-

On the facts in sight, Italy has vastly more to hope and gain from joining up with the nations which are intent on promoting appeasement in Europe than from allowing herself to be dragged further at Germany’s heels. It complicates the position terribly that Italy has taken and is still taking a much greater part than Germany in the invasion of Spain, but in the extent at least to which continued extension of aggression in Europe hinges upon perfect agreement between Italy and Germany, it seems possible that the outlook is a little better than it was.

THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

THE outcome/ and effect of local and other elections would be Jess uncertain than it often is if a larger proportion of those who are qualified and entitled to do so would take the • trouble to register their votes. An indifferent neglect to vote is only too common and must be deplored by all who give thought to civic responsibilities. Apart from simple apathy, failure to vote is perhaps most commonly accounted for by the fact that a good many people are quite satisfied with the current handling and course of affairs and, having no particular fault to find, think that they may leave things as they are. Abstention from voting in these conditions is apt at times, however, to lead to disagreeable and unexpected surprises. This is not least the ease when, as in the Wairarapa and elsewhere at present, more or less organised sections are working actively on behalf of particular candidates or groups of candidates. A full muster of electors will be needed on Wednesday, and indeed is needed at any time, to ensure that sections and groups shall not exercise an undue influence on the result of elections. This aspect of the position deserves the full attention not least of those who believe that it is wholly undesirable that party and other divisions of an artificial kind should be allowed to develop in the field of local government.