Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1935-05-30
INTERNATIONAL
NEWS REVIEW
Continued from Page II

sources, was, one must admit, quite
a compliment.
italian expressions of opinion were
friendly, although it was regretted
that Hitler did not find occasion to
say anything about the forthcoming
Banubian conference to be held at
Rome.
Generally speaking, comments in
the United States have been favor
able to Hitler although some distrust
of his ultimate aims has found its
way into editorial columns.
But in Russia, the sentiment en-
gendered by the Reichstag address,
was clearly and definitely bitter.
That can cause no surprise when 1t
is remembered that Hitler considered
it necessary to speak quite contempt
uously about the Soviet-and it is
possible that his remarks were in
tended to be yelled declaration to
the effect that he would not. as con-
ditions are now, sign the proposed
Eastern European pact if it is to in
clude Russia. And, of course, since
the idea of this agreement originated
I'm Moscow, Russia cannot very well
be left out of the picture.
Words and Actions.
Great Britain and the United States.
foremost among the powers always
ready to preach the gospel of world
peace. during the past week indicated
the depth of sincerity with which
they believe in the ideals of peace,
and some skeptics there will be who
may claim that they are not experts at
practising what they preach. For
Great Britain announced the build
ing of a tremendously large air fleet
and Immediately began recruiting
22,500 men for the expanded air serv-
ice as we'll as placing orders for new
military airplanes; and in the United
States the senate enacted into law
a bill, already carried by the house,
which appropriates vaster sums than
ever before for an American peace
time navy.
At almost the moment when Hitler
announced to the world his fervent
wishes for peace, his government pro-
claimed the new CONSUMPTION law
which will make it necessary for
women, also, to bear arms; young
men, born during the wOrld-war years,
were called to the colors for mill
tary training. Hitler apparently be-
lieves that the other powers will not
reduce their war forces, so he has to
keep in step with them.
Another example of the lack Of
sincerity back of peace statements is
the fact that on the day when Italy
and Abyssinia sign an agreement to
the effect that the conflict pending
between them be disposed Of by arbi-
tration-this was decided at the
last week-MussOlin keeps on send
ing troops to italian Somaliland,
AbbysSinia's neighbor, and in public
speeches makes menacing references
to the situation in Abyssinia.
Arbitration.
At Geneva AbySsinian ar
bitration was greed to as a result OF
conferences between British. French,
Italian and Abyssinian delegates.
Great Britain, especially, was anxious
to avoid League interference because
it might be derogatory to British in
terests i'm Africa. and also because it
might lead to Italy's withdrawal from
the League And. since British and
French interests in Abyssinia are
closely intertwined, it was a fore
gone conclusion that France would
support the British viewpoint.
Also this-Great Britain needs both
French and Italian influence IL she
is to solve one Of the problems be-
fore her just now. that is, the COM
plete annexation of Palestine. 1t thus
proved necessary to aid France and
to avoid hurting Italian feelings, for
the Palestine question is a delicate
one.
For some time, it now appears. ne
gotiationS have been going on in Lon
don in an effort to persuade the
League Of Nations to convert Pale
slime from a inundated territory into
British crown colony. To make
persuasion effective. Great Britain
must be certain Of French and Ital-
ian adherence. and also must be will
ling to make certain concessions con-
corning Abyssinia. All of which. once
more as so often before in the his
tory Of the world. proves to what an
alarming extent small countries are
at the mercy of the great powers
seventeen years after the termination
OF a war that was to establish, for
all time. the sanctity of the principle
OF the self-determination of the peo-
Piles.
French Crisis.
There is n possibility of a new gov
eminent having been formed in
France before these lines are being
read: at the moment Of writing moth
ing definite can he said about it. but
il is clear that the fight for ksepins
France on the gold standard is be-
coming primary political issue
which may involve Premier Pierre
Etienne Flandin in cabinet crisis
Large and frequent expectations oil
gold holdings from France have weak