Evening star., 1935-04-13
Hitler Sees the Light.

f1lJleE lids odtCu tiiC doS oS NoANo~%'
Just as the Anglo -Franco-Italian con-
ference appeared to be on the verge
of breaking up in futility. because OF
insoluble differences over ways and
means of meeting the German re-
armament threat. the NaA govern
ment on Friday came along with an
announcement that clears the way
for agreement among the Western
powers. The Germans proclaimed
their readiness to enter non-aggres-
sion pact for Eastern Europe, thus
reversing their previous attitude. They
assented to such an agreement re-
gardless of what other participants.
mainly France and Soviet Russia.
may stipulate among themselves in
the way of accords of mutual assist
ance. While Sir John Simon was
communicating these glad tidings to
the Stresa conferees, the Nazi for
eign office at Berlin was explaining
that Germany is prepared to sign
bi-lateral non-aggression pacts and
work these agreements into one gen.
eral security collective system.
What this means is that while the
Germans are prepared to bind them
selves not to embark upon policy OF
aggression in Eastern Europe, as they
are already pledged under the Locarno
treaty to undertake no aggression In
the west, they contract no military
obligations. They will not have to
use their new army, their air force
or their prospective navy to fight the
battles of other countries which may
be victims of aggression. They agree
merely to commit no aggression them
selves.
It is impossible to exaggerate the
importance of Germany's change Of
heart, which can only be born OF the
realization that Europe would stand
united against any refusal on the
Reich's part to join in collective
action for peace. How Hitler will
justify to his people his remuneration
of territorial revision and expansion
beyond Germanys eastern borders re-
mains to be seen. To extend Ger
many's area and might in that d.
rection has from the outset been
cardinal plank in the Fuehrer's plat
form, as enunciated in MY Battle"
his book which is accepted as Nazi
creed.
In recognition Of Hitler's action.
France is ready to modify her pro-
posed protest at the League Of Ma
tions next week. She will not insist
upon formal condemnation of Ger
many's violation of the Versailles
military clauses and punishment
therefor. In return for their re-
straint, urged upon them by Great
Britain, the French assure them
selves Of British blessing for the
scheme Of regional mutual assistance
pacts such as France is perfecting as
her second line of defense against
war. The League Council will now
merely take cognizance of German
rearmament and lay the ground for
desirable action, principally in the
form Of economic penalties, in case of
future Versailles violations. With
Germany pledged to non-aggression,
the Stresa statesmen feel that the
danger of NaN interference with
Austria's independence is signally
minimized, If not removed.
On the face of all these develop
ments, Germany's rearmament as
sumes less sinister significance. If
the Stresa conference breaks up today
amid a conviction that there Is sin
cerity behind Hitler's new attitude,
Europe will have cause to breathe
more easily. The danger of war will
not be wholly obliterated, but it will
be distinctly lessened.