Evening star., 1933-10-16
The Disarmament Crisis.

Leaving entirely aside the merits OF
the German case for quitting the
League of Nations and the Geneva con-
ference-a case impressively defended
before the world in his international
broadcast on Saturday by Chancellor
Hitler-all mankind shudders at the
resultant blow to the cause of disarma-
ment There is even more reason for
anxiety as the nations contemplate the
possible effect of Germany's fateful de-
cision. That it constitutes a grave
menace to European peace cannot be
doubted 1t seems almost incredible
that with the tragic memories of the
World War still fresh in mind; with the
laborious efforts of craftsmanship to
organize peace on durable lines, and
with a distressed universe still strug-
Cling to liberate itself from the shackles
of depression, that Old World leaders
should have found it impossible to
evolve a solution of the disarmament
problem on lines equitable to all con-
cerned.
They have failed to do 50. The con-
sequence is that Europe is once again
at crossroads, described in Paris as
perilous as those which Immediately
preceded the World War. The United
States did its utmost at Geneva to
avert conditions which impelled Ger
many to abandon further attempts at
agreement. Acting on instructions from
Washington, Mr.. Davis adhered to the
position that "a disarmament conven-
tion could not properly be made an
instrument of rearmament and that
equality in armament (such as Ger
many demandeD should primarily be
sought through reduction in the arma-
ments OF the heavily armed powers and
not through attempts on the part OF
others to build up"
Germany would not accept that
thesis, to which the British and French
governments tenaciously held, contend
ing that the Reich could no longer
tolerate the degrading" and dis
honorable" status in which it was asked
10 continue, pending the time, four years
hence, when other powers would begin
making cuts in armaments designed
eventually to bring about that equal
1ty" which Germany seeks.
President Won Hindenburg has dis
solved the Reichstag and ordained
great national plebiscite for November
12, at which the German people will be
given an opportunity to voice their ap-
proval of the governments action. The
result is, of course, foregone conclu-
sion. No more political opposition
exists in Germany. Herr Hitler is as
sured an overwhelming, stentorian vote
of confidence
What will happen after that is what
really matters. With popular man
date to steer the ship of state whittier
he desires, will the chancellor direct the
Reich into channels leading straight to
war? Will his next logical step. in
other words, be the formal denunciation
of the military clauses of the treaty OF
Versailles, which "enslaves" Germany
and condemns her to "humiliating
servitude?" Except for his vigorous pro-
testations of Germanys desire for peace,
especially his friendly references to
France, it would be easy to read beli-
cose intentions into the chancellors
words, as he passionately protests that
In seeking arms equality the Nazi gov
ernment's sole objective is an acknowl-
edgment that the German people are
no longer to be regarded as "an eter-
nally conquered nation" Emphasis on
that score is conspicuous throughout
Herr Hitler's plea.
The Disarmament Conference. which
was to be resumed today, will not meet
for another week. Geneva has wisely
decided to provide a cooling-of period
after the German explosion. In Berlin
itself and in other European capitals
a greater sense of calm is apparent
Speaking for the United States, Mr.
Davis remains active in the realm of
conciliation. Hope of compromise seems
not entirely to have evaporated.
At no time since 1918 has there been
greater need for cool judgment and
sane deliberation. 1t is disheartening
enough to face the destruction of man.
kinds hopes for disarmament. The
thought that out of their wreckage
another war should emerge is intolera-
BILE. Civilization reels at the bare
thought of such catastrophe. States
manship must avert il or incur the risk
of posterity's undying condemnation.