TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

After Albania “Signor Mussolini proclaimed that there was one lesson taught by the whole of history: ‘Woe to those who cannot defend themselves.’ It is now incumbent upon every nation which feels itself threatened in its independence or its vital interests to apply that lesson with resolution. More than that, the possible victims of the next or of some future aggression arc faced with the necessity of building up a common front so that a threat to one can be met by the united strength of all. In such a movement there is nothing provocative, any more than there is in the Anglo-Polish Pact, nothing which threatens the legitimate interests of any other Power, and nothingwhich precludes the settlement by friendly negotiation of any outstanding differences. It could be taken amiss only by a Power which was contemplating aggression. Greece is the country which has most reason to feel alarmed by the seizure of Albania. Corfu comes first in the picture, naturally, for it lies in the very front of the danger zone, and it is plain that any attempt upon that island would create a very serious situation for Britain and for France, and, indeed, for all who are concerned to maintain the freedom and security of tiip ci-rent. Mediterranean sea-routes.” —The Times (London).