Evening star., 1931-04-12

Wn0m count mySeIf-are peglnnlnR TO
wonder If the foundation Of new order
is humanity possible.
The position in which BRAND now
finds himself is indeed a dramatic one.
He desired peace with all his soul and
the world should take heed. He is its
greatest symbol. Any failure he en-
counters will automatically entail retro
gression in the great cause Of peace.
Two formulas between which the
world must choose have come again
irto conflict, like struggle between two
hostile craft at sea. On the one hand,
the work of European peace organiza-
ton continues. That Is, tedious task
has begun under the most adverse con-
ditions.
Economic Farley Fails.
The international economic confer
ence. engaged for many months in its
work, has failed. Moreover, its presi-
dent. Collin. doesn't dare affirm even
that the Commercial Convention Of
March. 1880, is still in force. Collin
how heartily recommends in all honesty
that veritsble SOS signal be addressed
to other European states, explaining the
grave danger to all concerned in the
present condition of affairs.
In the meantime the executive COM
mission for European Union, charged
with proposing a plan OF reform, met
At GhIS N1dICll 90 ullQGl lllG
of BRAND and cast anXiously about for
help from all lovers OF peace. The out
look is not encouraging and the general
session in May probably will witness an
even graver condition.
The executive commission studied
only secondary questions in its meeting.
such as those of transport and the
treatment Of foreign regulations regard
ing the transmission of electrical
energy. They rightly chose those mod
est subjects in the effort to achieve
the beginning Ct pan-European agree
ment But there is still the terrific
question of unemployment, particularly
as it applies to Eastern Europe.
As a matter of fact. the executive
commissions meeting was quite profit
able Its invitation TO Sir Eric Drum
mond expressed it's feeling for afnliation
with the League of Nations. BRAND eX-
planned forcefully the information he
had received that suggested a condition
approaching economic anarchy in
Europe. He pointed out the wheat
question was all important, even 20 the
temporary exclusion Of a general work
ing plan. The reckoning may not be
long delayed. Behind Brands prudent
ly diplomatic formulas may we'll be per-
ceived anguish that tormsn.s the minds
of those who have undertaken to outlaw
war.
Finds Vital Beginning.
The commission has done well to
defer until the general session the ques-
tions propossd-organization, agricul-
tural solidarity and treatment of for
eigners. Thanks to Albert Thomas. that
robust artisan in international prob
lens, it may reasonably be expected
that the question of European unem-
ployment will be approached compre-
henSiVely within the next few weeks.
Won Simson, the former German secre-
tary OF state fer foreign affairs. also
seems To have interested himself in the
common cause, having presented vsri-
Gus interesting propositions regarding
the carburizing agents
We may then believe that the efforts
OF the commission represent at least an
important beginning. Little else can be
expected. as a matter of fact, for the
proposals OF this comm ,ssion must BE-
submitted TO a formal vote OF the
Geneva Assembly before any organiza-
ton can be created. I observed, more
over. with great and sincere pleasure,
the activity with which the North Euro
pean representatives elaborated in
their work before the executive comnli5-
sion of the League of Nations. Too
much praise cannot be accorded them.
On the other hand it must be admit
ted FRANKLY that the continued aca-
demic and tentative aspects of 50 many
discussions are most discourag nG. There
* to much beating around tie bush.
Many discussions are not undertaken
frankly There is a useless division and
subdivision OF problems Regrettab'e
absences, such as that Of Grand, are
frequently noticeable. Every one seems
marking time
h.-R
What Is a sincere toiler 10 do under
such conditions? EECn the agenda of
the forthcoming general session Of the
League couldnt be adopted without
important Italian-Gern1an conditions.
Motta proposed mere generauties. even
while the world economic crisis vas be-
coming accentuated. II has been an
nourced that no complete report IN the
unemployment problem will be avail
able at the May meeting No solution
Is expected for disposine OF the surplus
cereals Of Europe. All that can be eZ-
pected is that the May session WI
solve the problem Of agricultural creoits.
As to the question Of the transm' Ss!on
Of electrical energy, the Belgian and
Norwegian governments presented sew
eral interesting ideas. That is all, ana
u is discouragingly little.
Hence for the present no substantial
reality is likely 10 come out at the May
session. Everywhere IS confusion: every
where is destructive objection, even
zmcng the delegates TO the European
highways meeting. IN ROme's interna-
fionaI wheat conference we learn there
was the same troubled atmosphere.
Russia has not shown a very European
frame of mind. The United States OF
American and Brazil sbscntcd them
selves despite ble presence Of observers
-' spectators, who hadn't paid for their
seats" according to ono Of the delegates
The system OF preferential tarlns'
which IL was hoped would bring prOflt
70 the suffering Danubisn states, en-
countered formidable opposition from
the Indian and Australian delegatiors.
once more the way seems closed 10
world cooperation. This picture Is
severe but exact 1t is indispensable
for pointing out the divcrgenSes and the
inability Of peace forces. man less
courageous, or less tenacious. or less
Breton than BRAND would lcng ago
have abandoned weaving the peace
fabric which inevitably would have been
tangled or broken.
Cites Story Of Penelope.
The legend Of Penelope may we'll serve
10 illustrate the case. She promised TO
make a choice among her many suitors
when she finished the shroud she was
weaving for her father -in-law, Laertes.
Each night she undid the days work.
Today it is the egotism OF the nations
that increasingly destroy the work OF
peace lovers. BRAND, the greatest Of
peace lovers, sees himself passionately
attacked. even in his own country, for
having undertaken the abolition of war
While the forces Of ideaiIsm are being
bcset by inSurmountable obstacles, those
of brutal realism arc gaining their
ends. And with what violence? The