Evening star., 1936-08-01

to the fact that Russia fears she may
face depleted population after the
next war. The dispatch from London,
concerning the credit to Russia, says,
political circles see an advantage in
the new agreement in that it con-
firms the desire of the British gov
ernment to prove to Moscow desire
to bring the policies of the two coun-
tries closer together A British
military mission will 60 to Russia
this Fall to attend the great maneu-
vers If Moscow reciprocates by
restraining the activities Of the fire.
brands in the Communist Interna-
tionale, the rapprochement between
Britain and Russia will be hastened.
because of the growing menace of
militarism in Berlin"
Britain Hastens to Arm.
The loan to Russia comes while
Britain is rearming at stupendous
rate. It is accompanied by such sig
nificant moves as Winston Churchills
speech on the German menace. And
every possible attempt is being made
ID lUdAl pau W PhtNAA oP eAAS AooS
encounter with Italy. At the same
time, it Is announced from the Union
of South Africa, that Cape Town will
be fortified-for the first time in well
over a 100 years-in the event that
the Suez Canal might have to be
closed. And Turkey, without British
or Russian opposition, is fortifying the
Dardanelles.
So now, let us look at the way the
powers are lining up, and compare it
with 1914. Then there was an alli-
| ance between Germany, Austria, Hun
gary and Italy. But Italy's position
was ambiguous, and eventually she
deserted Germany to join the Allies.
Polands position was also ambigu-
Gus. Strongly desiring national in
dependence, she was given promises
by both the Allies and by Germany.
But she was occupied by Germany.
and with German defeat, turned
against that country for the larger
freedom offered by the Allies.
Then the outpost Of Russia in
Europe was through the Slavic coun-
try Of Serbia, long at odds with the
Austro- Hungarian empire. Today.
Serbia, vastly enlarged by the peace
treaties into Yugoslavia, stands with
Rumanian-Germany's opponent in
the last war-and Czechoslovakia,
whose founders deserted the Austrian
empire in the last war.
But Russia's outpost in Europe Is
not now Belgrade, down in the Bal
kans, on the4ringe Of the old Austro-
Hungarian empire. 1t Is Prague,
cheek by jowl with Berlin. And now,
as then, Italy's position is unclear.
For the interests of Italy and Ger
many are far from parallel, despite
surface appearances. 1t is as difficult
for Rome and Berlin to agree as 1t
is dangerous for them to disagree.
Italy does not desire Germany at the
Brenner Pass, behind which, on Italian
soil, are rabidly Nazi Tyrolese. nor
does she wish Germany in the Adriatic.
Japan New Factor.
In Europe, then, Mr.. Hitler has got
ten nowhere with his foreign policy,
which was to isolate Britain from
France, and to win Britain's support
or neutrality in case Of war with Rus
sia. But there is another factor of
overwhelming importance, and that is
Japan. In 1914 the Allies were able
to win Japan's support, and thereby
keep their hold in the Pacific. At the
end Of the war they forced Japan
to disgorge everything that she had
except few South Sea islands. Japan
today is quite different factor. She
is great power She has overrun
China She is obsessed with great
imperial aims in the Pacific and the
Far East. 1t seems unlikely that in
any future war she Will stand as she
did in the last. That change is the
hope, and would be the strength, OF
Germany.
) Looking at the incredible speed
with which events have marched since
the Ethiopian debacle, one is forced
to conclude that unless the League
can be revised on a larger, stronger
and firmer basis than ever, the world
is heading toward catastrophe which
will make 1914 look like a mere skir-
mish. If another Interpretation can
be put upon events, I long to hear 1t
(Copyright. 1936)