Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1939. A NEUTRAL PEACE EFFORT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1939, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1939. A NEUTRAL PEACE EFFORT.

WITHOUT questioning,' in any way the sincere good feeling with which the rulers of Belgium and Holland have made their latest, peace move, it, is possible to believe that, their action may be based in part on fears of an invasion of their own territories. News yesterday of the joint, appeal addressed by King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina to the belligerents was accompanied in any case by renewed reports of an intention on the part of the German General Staff to make an offensive thrust through Holland —a line of advance on which Hie enemy would hope to find a way round the northern flank of the principal Belgian field fortifications and that of the Allied defences in France.

The lateness of the season goes far to preclude the possibility of any large scale offensive on the Western Front. From now on the'factor of the weather may be expected to do a good deal to limit both land and air operations. It was reported recently that, heavy snows had disposed for the time being of the danger of a violation of Swiss territory by the German forces, but the possibility of an attempt to turn the Allied defences by an advance through neutral territory on the. north may be still open in some measure. Against an attempt of the kind by the Germans, both Holland and Belgium have made elaborate defence preparations. Holland relies in part on what her former Commander--in-Chief, Jonkheer W. Roell, has called cement guerilla warfare —the defence by a. covering force of a scattered system of pillboxes and other strong points—and to a much greater extent upon the swift flooding of a considerable part of her territory. As strategic plans are laid, the Dutch troops would delay the German advance by fighting rearguard actions along the strong natural lines of defence afforded by the canals and rivers. Not long ago it was stated, too, by the Dutch Prime Minister, Dr Colijn, that arrangements had been made whereby, from a central control, every bridge could be blown up “within the first five minutes of hostilities.”

Above all, however, the Dutch rely upon letting in Hie sea, as they did in the memorable days of their struggle against Spain," and so flooding extensive selected areas that the mechanised forces which are the spearhead of a modern army would be helplessly bogged down or submerged. Belgium also lias established powerful defences, consisting partly of fortified lines, some of which are said to rival the Maginot Line in strength. In addition, the Belgians have organised the complete defence of all waterways along the frontier and have made provision for defensive inundations, notably in the area between Liege and the Dutch frontier. Far as the Germans are from being able to count upon forcing an easy passage through Holland and Belgium, resistance to a. German invasion of course would bring, tragic sacrifices upon these neutral countries.' As has been observed, it is conceivable that apprehensions of a move of this nature by Germany may have induced the rulers of Holland and Belgium to launch, their latest peace appeal. Even if it were known definitely to have been made in these circumstances, the appeal would not any less be entitled to courteous and serious consideration. It is unfortunately plain, however, that the Belgian-Dutch appeal does not bring peace into nearer prospect. Its authors, though their good intentions will be accepted without question, manifestly have felt it necessary to ignore the most essential issues raised in the conflict between the Allies and Germany. King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina state that: — The warring parties nave already declared that they are not opposed to an investigation to find a reasonable and sound basis for peace. It is more difficult in the present circumstances for both parties to establish contact in order to determine precisely their viewpoints and approach each other with a view to coming closer. As the heads of neutral States having excellent relations with all our neighbours, we are ready to offer our good offices. If this is agreeable to the parties, we are ready to facilitate with all the means at our disposal proposals which they may suggest to us. No investigation is needed, however, to show that the conditions have yet to be established in which peace with Germany would be possible. The Nazi dictatorship is still in full control and has not abated in any particular the policy which plunged Europe into war. It. stands, as it did, for the enthronement of brute force as superior to all law and justice—that is to say, for a policy which, if it were further tolerated, would imperil the existence of every peaceful State in Europe, and not least the existence of the two countries which are now urging that “a reasonable and sound basis for peace” might, be found by investigation. What is needed, to open the way to peace is not an investigation of facts that are written large for all the. world to see, but a change of heart hardly to be accomplished without a change of rule, in Germany. In the broadcast address which was reported yesterday, Lord Halifax stated once again that the Allies seek no vindictive peace and that “we should feel the future to hold little hope unless a new peace settlement might be reached through the method of negotiation and agreement.” But, he added, “we are determined, so far as it, is humanly possible, to see to it that Europe is not again subjected to a repetition of this tragedy.” The principal obstacle to peace, though Russia’s mischief-making policy is also a factor of some importance, is that Germany is still ruled by a, criminal gang pursuing a policy which undermines the essential foundations of peace. Until that gang is overthrown peace will be impossible and even the best-intentioned efforts to open the way to peace by investigation and discussion will fall to the ground.

BEGGING IN A GOOD CAUSE. QN top of general economic conditions, the recent increase in postage rates has added to the difficulty of bringing in by the sale of health stamps the revenue that is needed to maintain the health camps which art* conferring great benefits on children of this district and those of other parts of the Dominion. In a time of high prices and heavy taxation, people are less ready than they were to give in support of even the most deserving causes, but no apology need be made for insistent begging on behalf of the children’s health camps.

When allowance is made for all the changes that luive taken place, it remains true that a very slight, sacrifice on the part of a reasonably numerous body of citizens will provide all the money that is needed to keep the health camps going on an undiminished scale. It remains true, too, that any interruption, or even reduction, of the splendid work that is being done in the health camps would be a calamity for children who have every claim to gentle and kindly consideration, and lor the Dominion. The skilled efforts that bring health and happiness within the reach of weak or sickly children are al the same time, from a national standpoint, building up tin* moral and material welfare of the Dominion. How many ol us can afford, looking at the facts, to withhold a lew pence, or a low shillings, from this nobly constructive work, carried on by able and public-spirited enthusiasts for the good oi individuals and that of the country?

As matters are now arranged, health stamps lor letter postage may be bought for threepence, ol which a penny goes to the health camps; and stamps for unclosed envelopes may be bought for ltd, of which a halfpenny goes to the health camps. Mr P, Dean has kindly undertaken again Io conduct a canvass sale of health stamps in this district, as he (lid last year with noteworthy success. A good deal must eojilinin* to depend, however, upon I In* spontaneous generosity oi individuals if the health camps are to get the lull measure ol support Iln*\ deserve so well. Two years ago there was a magnificent public response Io the King George V Memorial Hund appeal, which provided for the capital needs of health camps—the cost ol erecting buildings and so forth. It remains, however, to make provision from vear to year for the maintenance ol the camps, hor this the controlling association has to depend solely on emitiniinig public generosity. If all who might buy some health stamps without, feeling the slight sacrifice involved will do so (In* problem of keeping lhe camps going will be solved happily.