The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1939. BRITAIN AND FRANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1939. BRITAIN AND FRANCE

]\/JR- NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN has made it as plain as possible that in the event of a war in which France is involved Great Britain’s immediate co-operation would be forthcoming. This statement should go a long way Io stop Italy making further adventures. Italy has been engaging in the tactic of endeavouring to drive a wedge in between France and Great Britain by claiming that Great Britain is moving toward Fascism. It has made this effort in the hope of sowing suspicion in Paris. Mr. Chamberlain’s forthrightness should do much to allay any fears which may have been engendered in France that she was likely to be left to herself to defend her Colonial Empire. The “vital interests of France” is a term which includes French possessions, for France needs the population of her colonial possessions for the defence of the Motherland. Hitler’s recent speech was full of complaints, but it was, as commentators averred, more for domestic consumption than for export. It was essential, as it has ever'been, for Hitler to picture Germany as being burdened by the injustices of the Versailles Treaty, and particularly in respect to the loss of the German colonics. Hitler knows quite well, however, that the colonies which Germany possessed never contributed, to Germany’s wellbeing, but were actually a financial drain upon her resources. He was, however, compelled to raise the issue because the sense of grievance must be maintained in order to keep German temper at the proper pitch. He realised, nevertheless, that it would be a mistake to declare that Germany would go to war at the moment to gain the restoration of her colonies, because the German people are not, colonial-minded, and would regard a war for the possession of territory which would continue a drain on their present slender resources, as a grave mistake, to say the least. Prestige can be too costly, even for Nazi Germany.

It was. however, a convenient time in which to pay lipservice to the claims of Italy, and the hope was expressed that Great Britain would not incite France to take an intransigeant altitude in respect to Italy. Mr. Chamberlain’s previous speech backed up M. Daladier’s “not an inch of territory” declaration, and President Roosevelt’s statement subsequently denied—that America’s frontier is in France, backed up by ex-President Hoover, indicated to Hitler the probable combination which would be presented in the case of a European war. It was therefore necessary for Hitler to put a stop to the junior partner in the Axis committing the combination for purely Italian in-

terests. Hitler’s policy in respect to Italy is that whcnevei action is taken it must be profitable to Germany. He is unwilling, presumably, to engage in unprofitable obligations for the benefit of Italy.

It is to he observed that Mussolini has withheld his expected speech. What Mussolini will say when he does speak can, of course, only be conjectured at the moment, but it is probable that he will concentrate upon the great Italian victory which has been secured in Spain over the enemies of Fascism. Assurances have been given, and recently reiterated, that Italian troops and equipment will be withdrawn from Spain immediately the civil war ends, but it is to be noticed that a new condition has made its appearance, namely, that the. art treasures which were removed to France shall be returned. It is probable that when Mussolini does speak, he will elaborate upon this point, and he may raise others as well. What France will do in the matter is, of course, quite another matter, for it will be necessary first to discover the conditions under which the art treasures are retained. It is probable, however, that France will prove to be accommodating in this, as to take a contrary path would endanger her relations with General Franco’s Government to no good purpose to herself. While France is not likely to provide excuses for Italian troops remaining in Spain, and in view of the apparent unwillingness of Germany to support Italy to the extent of going to war for colonies, Mr. Chamberlain’s latest declaration should have a steadying effect all round.