The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-12-16
BY ATTY. C. LIE BRoN SIMMONS

ny ATTY. L. LIE bkON SlNlMONS
Over 81 years ago, the treaty Of
Versailles was signed purporting to
make the world safe for democracy
and putting an end to all wars. yet
today we are witnessing the spec
tacle Of the very same nations en-
gagged in war ostensibly for the
same reasons that were given 81
years ago, Why?
In order 10 understand the present
conflict and especially its relations
To Negroes, it is essential 10 know
something Of the society in which
we are living; for then we will not
become victims OF false slogans and
patriotic iingoistics.
Today the world is in that phase
Of economy wherein, tergitorially, it
has been completely divided and
allotted 10 the various nations OF
the world, for example, England
has India, South Africa, British
West Indies. etc; France, French
West Africa, French West Indies.
etc; Germany, the United States,
and other countries have taken their
share OF various spheres OF influ-
ence in the world. secondly. indus
try and finance have combired to
form tremendous monopolies which
control the economy within the
large countries and their colonies.
thus determining their foreign
policy and lastly money is exported
70 inferior developed countries.
where more profits are possible
Father than Investing surplus capi-
tai at home, for example, American
investments in China, Mexico and
South America.
The treaty of Versailles was not
to protect small nations or to make
the world safe for democracy, but
10 insure The continued ascendency
OF English and Frerch economy and
TO destroy rising competitor for
foreign markets, notably Germany.
For il it were otherwise, why
weren't India and Africa liberated
from the imperialist yoke OF Eng
land and France at this nom. ntous
meeting Of the victor nations.
In order to maintain themselves
In peace Chamberlain and his ac-
completes in the League OF Nations
handed certain portions OF China in
1881 to Japan. Ethiopia, Albania to
Italy; and Austria. Czechoslovak
Memel and Poland to Hitler with
out invoking AIRY Of the League's
machinery to prevent such acts OF
aggression.
Now after giving every aid and
comfort to Germany's demand for
living room" at the expense Of the
Independent people mentioned
above, Chamberlain suddenly be-
comes very deeply concerted about
them, and thus England and France
are plunged into war TO protect
small nations and minorities. This
Is only a smokescreen to hide the
clash between English, French and
German imperialism; that is, Ger
many's demand for the return of
her colonies and a share in exploit
ing the worlds market.
II is common knowledge the man
ner in which the ratives are treated
in the impeFialist colonies, their
condition is reminiscent OF slavery
and feudal days. 1t is very incon-
tistent to be fighting for democracy
in Europe on one hand and yet
deny India home rule and the ma
tives OF South Africa the right to
vote, free spsech and the right Of
sssemblage, on the other. Mr. Yer
gans states, 1T is immaterisl who
wins the present imperialist war
the fate and condition Of the African
will remain the same, whether he is
exploited by the Germans, French
or English.
Particularly significant is the fact