TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20726, 9 February 1939, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Ukrainian Problem “The Ukrainian ‘problem’ is one of much difficulty and danger,” says the Manchester Guardian. “The Ukrainians form a population of more than forty millions, extending from the Caucasus along the shores of the Black Sea and into Poland and Czechoslovakia. In Poland they form a minority of six or seven millions (their own estimate of their numbers differs widely from the Polish estimate). This powerful minority, which forms a closely-packed majority in about a third, the south-eastern third, of the area embraced by the frontiers of Poland, fought heroically for national independence after the Great War. The Ukrainians were defeated by the Poles, who had ail advantage in arms. But the Ukrainians had secured a promise of Home Rule from Poland, a promise made not only to them but to the Western Powers as well. A Ukrainian Home Rule Bill was actually placed on the Polish Statute book. But the promise was never kept. Instead of Home Rule, the Ukrainians were subjected to ruthless repression. But it has failed to weaken their spirit, and to-day they demand Home Rule with an insistence greater than ever. Polish repression has been intensified. The Ukrainian ‘problem,’ so far from being solved, has become more intractable than ever and more dangerous, for it is inconceivable that Germany, immensely powerful as she is and determined on eastward expansion, will not make of the immense possibilities offered by this ‘problem'.”