Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-28

Aristide Brands memorandum to
various nations, outlining his scheme
for United States of Europe" Is re-
ceived in this country with some skep-
ticism, although some comments reject
a hope of reducing tariff barriers among
European nations. The belligerent at
titude of Premier MusSolini in Italy Is
taken into account, though opinions
differ as to whether he is, likely to force
other nations into a union or offer an
obstacle to any mild federation.
THE BRAND proposal" according to
the Roanoke World-News, ''is an smbi-
tious plan to set free restrictions that
now hamper trade on the continent, by
scaling down tariffs, providing for inter-
change of currency, and for thorough
transportation with less regard to ma
tional boundaries. National
jealousies and national pride stand in
the way of immediate accomplishment.
But the pressure of stagnation and I'M
employment may yet force the nations
of Continental Europe into an economic
federation such as only DECADE ago
would have been considered as an i'm
possible and fantastic dream"
1.-THE obvious thing, of course" &C.
cording to the Cleveland Plain Dealer,
lis TO contrast Brands gesture of in
ternationalism with the swashbuckling
TRADE that Mussolini delivered. Quite
apparently the Duce and the veteran
French statesman do not see eye to eye.
Europe, while inclined to take the war
like Italian premier with large grain Of
salt, is somewhat alarmed at the number
and Virulence of his recent apostropheS
to warlike nationalism. But the impetu-
osity of the Italian premier may be
counted good argument for the BRAND
plan. An economic federation with po-
litical influence, such as BRAND sug-
gests, might be an effective curb to pre-
vent any European dictator from infect
ing the continent with virulent nation
alism. =" The BRAND plan is
bold. But it has promise. Mussolini
and his kind may force Europe into it"
within a few hours of the presenta-
ton of the BRAND plan to the govern
ments," says the New Orleans Item,
"Mussolini ends a triumphant tour of
Tuscany in Florence and addresses
100, 900 Fascist militiamen amid scenes
of enthusiasm The Item quotes from
reports of Mussolinis warning to
France" and his statement that Fascist
Italy is ready for all corners" and that
fright is a vain word without might"
That paper concludes, so much for
the present chance of United States
of Europe" The st. Paul Pioneer Press
also remarked: BRANDS assumption
that Europe is willing to dispose of ma
tional boundaries Is not in line withspre-
vailing tendencies. 1t ignores such po-
tent factors as Mussolini defiantly
laundering italian nationalism."
"
A conclusion more favorable to BRAND
is drawn by the Newark Evening News,
which, after noting that BRAND hopes
to guarantee the balance between
strong and weak states" continues:
"Mussolini's bellicose speech Is pointed
to as an indication that BRAND will not
get far toward a political union. 1t is
tenable thesis, however, that Musso-
lini's speech proves the. necessity for
such a political union as BRAND sug-
gests, and that 1t Is useless to talk of an
economic union until the states Of
Europe have reached a political under
standing.
BRAND is commended by the Schenec-
tady Gazette because of Ibis wisdom in
not expecting and not advocating too
much at the outset" and that paper
adds: IF his association can once be
formed. 1t will find with passing years
added reason for continuance. While
racial and language barriers probably
Will make impossible forever anything
like our Nation, with its 20 English
speaking commemorative. Europe may
be the nearest approach to It that can
be obtained anywhere" Serious consid-
Grafton Of the proposal abroad impresses
the Milwaukee Sentinel and the San An
tonic Express, while the Providence
Journal feels that lit is possible to per-
ceive that 1t will tend to keep vigorous
ana nealthy the spirit OF accommodation