Evening star., 1933-05-18
Hitler's Swift Adjustment.

II, as mas been declared heretofore,
craftsmanship Is adaptation of policy to
circumstances the speech Of Chancellor
Hitler Of Germany yesterday before the
Reischstag places him quite definitely
IN that category. He had been pre-
pared to go before the representatives
Of the German Reich with thunderous
defiance Of the European powers in re-
spect to German armament regardless
Of the limitations set by the treaty of
Versailles. On the eve of the meeting
came President Roosevelts cabled mes
sage to all the nations urging reduction
Of offensive arms in the interest of
assured peace. Within the few hours
permitted before the meeting Of the
Reichstag Hitler amended his utter
ance and when it was delivered it
proved to be q grateful acceptance of
the principles laid down by the Ameri-
can executive.
1t is not too much to say that this
deliverance at Berlin yesterday has
very greatly lessened the tension in
Europe, has perhaps opened the way
for an adjustment that will for at least
q period remove the menace of con-
flict, which was keenly apprehended.
The way is now open for an accord be-
tween the governments Of Europe in
the matter of arms reduction, along the
lines of President Roosevelt's proposals
Hitler seconds the motion Of the Presi-
dent that the Macdonald project be
made the possible solution" Of the
problem. He warns, however, that the
German government and people will
under no circumstances put signature
to any sort Of document perpetuating
the discrimination against Germany"
Thus has Hitler established himself
in a position Of possible negotiation.
That he will persist in an effort to have
Germany relieved of the inequality OF
defensive measures which the Versailles
treaty imposes is perfectly plain. He
already goes so far as to suggest a
willingness to submit the German army
to international control and to ban Of
fensive weapons, if the other powers
will follow suit.
Undoubtedly Hitler welcomed the
Roosevelt message to the powers as q
way out of a difficult and dangerous
position which might easily have. pre-
cipitated the application Of the sane
tions" of the Versailles treaty. Those
sanctions" provide the advancement
of the armed forces of the signatory
powers into German territory in the
event of breaches of the treaty. None
of the signatory powers wishes to make
such a move. Germany of course
would resist, to the extent Of her pres
ent military strength. War would en-
sue, with consequences not to be fore
seen.
While the solution Of the problem
remains to be effected, these two de-
liverances, that Of President Roosevelt
to the world and that Of Hitler IN ac-
ceptance Of the principle of inter-
IldllOIldl Olodl llolllCA4g AL O4ASA4o%'S
weapons, have certainly opened the way
for the solution. A breathing spell has
been afforded. The rational logic OF
the situation points to the pursuit OF
the purposes proposed by the President
with all the diligence permitted by
diplomacy, to the end of at least an
approximation Of the ideal Of the es-
tablishment of national armament upon
the basis Of defense and with depend
able REIMBURSEMENT Of all aims at the
enlargement of territories.
Hitler gains in stature by his ready
acceptance Of this opportunity. His
address to the Reichstag yesterday is
the best performance thus far in his
remarkable career.