Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
FOREIGN

struggled manfully throughout the year
to solve the nations economic problems,
but found that this could not be done
in q short time. Unemployment con-
tinued to increase, passing the 1000, 900
mark in June, and industrial depression
was little lightened If at all. However,
no one seemed to have a better Solu-
ton to offer than Prime Minister Mac
Donald and his ministers, so they held
on to their power.
Two matters of vast import demanded
much attention from the British EN-
pires rulers. One was the effort to de-
velop the empire as an economic unit,
and the imperial conference which was
held In London undertook this task.
The various dominions were represented
by some of their best minds and the
discussions continued until well into
November. But the results were ex-
tremely disappointing. The main issue
was economic cooperation, and in this
nothing was accomplished because the
dominions and the British government
could not agree concerning free trade,
protection and preferential rates within
the empire.
Problem Of India.
The increasing independence Of the
dominionS was marked by the tacit
understanding that henceforth they
shall have the right to accredit their
own diplomats to foreign countries, and
may communicate with one another and
with Great Britain, not through COVER
nors general, but directly. It was de-
cided to create tribunal for the settle
ment of intraimperial disputes.
The future status of India within the
empire was a question that troubled
the British throughout the year, and it
was complicated by the non-resistance
rebellion conducted by Mahatma Gandhi
and his numerous followers. AS Is their
custom, the Communists took advantage
Of the situation to convert the peaceful
revolt Of the Indian Nationalist into
riotous demonstrations, and the police
and military forces had to handle not
only these but also attacks on the
northwestern frontier by tribesmen.
Gandhi and many Of his lieutenantS
were put in prison, but their civil dis
obedience campaign never slackened.
The Round Table Conference opened
In London November IL with much
pomp and ceremony, the native princes,
the Hindus. the MoslemS and even the
''untouchables" being represented by
their ablest men-and by two brilliant
women. The Indians made it clear
they would accept nothing less than do
terly attacked the British methods of
rule In India. The problem before the
conference and the government was so
complex that there was no chance for
its solution for many months.
In the Canadian national election on
July % the Conservatives completely
upset the Liberal government headed
by Prime Minister w. l.. Mackenzie
King and secured a comfortable ma
1or1ty In the Dominion Parliament, and
Richard B. Bennett. their leader, be-
came prime minister. The new govern
ment took steps at once to relieve the
unemployment situation and to help the
farmers, one being the almost complete
dtscontinuance of immigration from
Europe.
German FasciSts Win.
AS In most other countries, political
events In Germany reflected the pre-
vaillng discomfort of the people, and
there 1t was aggravated by the feeling
that they were oppressed by the repa-
rations. Chancellor Mueller and his
cabinet resigned in March because of
dissatisfaction with the ratification of
the Young plan and with the budget
ana financial reforms proposed. DR.,
Heinrich Bruening, Centrist leader, be-
came chancellor and formed a ministry
OF members of the five middle parties.
The National Socialists and the Com
mun1stS kept up continual agitation
and President Hindenburg dissolved the
Relcnstag on July 10. In the elections
which were held September IA the
National Socialists, commonly called
the Fascists, won a most surprising and
tremendous victory. They increased
the number of their seats in the
Relchstag from IL to lot and their pop-
ular vote from 100000 to more than
100000. Their titular leader is Adolf
Hitler, who, being an Austrian, could
not be elected to the Reichstag. These
Fascists stand for reputation of the
treaty OF Versailles and of the Young
plan Of reparations.
France, Spain and Italy.
One small provision in the finance
Dill brought vote Of lack of confidence
In the French Chamber of Deputies in
February and the Tardieu ministry was
forced to resign. 1t was succeeded by a
Radical-Socialist cabinet formed by
Chautemps, which was defeated on its
nrSt appearance. Tardieu then was re-
called, and held on through a stormy
Summer, adjourning the Parliament for
three months in July. France main
talned her position as one of the most
prosperous countries of Europe and
gathered an immense store of gold.
Gen. Primo de Rivera, who had been
| dictator of Spain for more than six
years, resigned on January 20, partly
under compulsion. when faced with the
threat OF q military revolt. He was
succeeded by Gen. D'Amaso Berenguer
Throughout the year there were re-
peated strikes, food riots and violent
demonstrations by students and other
republicans, and it was often thought
the monarchy was about to be over
thrown. Leading anti-royalists who
had been In exile were permitted h
return, and they spoke their minds
freely in public, but apparently decided
the time had not yet come to upset the
throne. The Spanish tariff, already
the highest In Europe, was raised in
the Fall to yet greater heights.
Economy was the continual cry OF
the Italian government, Premier Mus
solini being Its spokesman, and his
measuresu toward that end were pul
through With tlaorouRhnesS and dis