Evening star., 1938-03-14
Which Way Britain?

Great Britain holds the key to Eu-
ropes destiny in these crucial moments
just as she did in 1914. What hap
pened then may be repeated within
the next few weeks, unless she avoids
the error she committed in refusing to
stem the drift to war
AS Prime Minister Chamberlain goes
before the Commons today to declare
England's intentions, the powers are
struggling for their bearings in the
storm France is preparing to broaden
her alliance with Czechoslovakia to IA
cilitate armed aid in the event of any
German aggression, even peaceful Nazi-
fication; Italy is wondering how far
she may trust Hitler's pledges, and
Great Britain is in dilemma with her
public opinion divided and her cabinet
discredited by the course it chose so
hopefully to win permanent peace in
Europe.
Few statesmen have suffered such
complete humiliation and deflation of
their policies as has Mr.. Chamberlain;
few have been so promptly vindicated
AS Anthony Eden. In fact there is
serious question whether the British
premier does not bear a large portion
of blame for completion of Anschluss by
his friendly overtures to the dictators.
At best he will find it difficult to explain
how he was so misled as to believe any
peaceful settlement with them could be
undertaken in good faith.
The resemblance of events during the
past week to those in 1914 is striking in
more than one respect. France for two
weeks before the hostilities began ap-
pealed to Sir Edward Grey for some
fortnight warning to Germany that her
course was leading to war. 1t was not
Forthcoming. The Germans, reckoning
falsely. attacked France through Bel
gium, and were shocked by entrance of
England into the conflict. divided
cabinet and public opinion hamstrung
any disposition to show Germany un-
equivocally the consequences of her
action.
The question before England now is
whether to wait, hoping for the best and
refraining from any belligerent mani
festations which might accelerate the
approach to hostilities, or whether to
stand firmly with France in letting Ger
many know that any attempt to Nazlfy
Czechoslovakia will result in war, thus
possibly deterring Hitler from miscal-
culatlng that Britain would accept
living down German control OF the little
Central European democracy.
Whatever prospect there was of an
Anglo-German agreement has now been
shattered. 1t would appear to be true,
likewise, of the projected Anglo-Italian
pact, although Mussolini may yet seek
to draw closer to England as a safe
guard against German movement south
OF the Brenner Pass, making promises to
be ignored later
That the German Fuehrer has given
1taly's Duce some assurances for the
-"noAS "oo oti oAiSAy Ill JllS
letter which was communicated to the
Fascist Grand Council Saturday before
the Austrian coup was given official
Italian benediction. He said therein:
In this critical hour for Italy I have
shown you the firmness of my inten-
tions. Do not doubt that also in the
future there will be no cause for change
IN this respect" Meaningful words. but
what are they worth?
Again the fate of Europe hinges upon
Great Britain. clear-cut statement
OF intentions, whether to support or
abandon Czechoslovakia, would at least
clarity the situation and avoid uncer-
taintles which leave war as the final
arbiter. No peaceful purpose can be
served by vacillation and hesitation.