The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-11-27
An Expert
.Appraises
The War
BY J. ". 7. MASON
I nited Press War Expert

are publicizing to the world the
kind Of Europe they expect to
create If they win the war. sug-
gestions are being made in London
that the British government make
known what results may be ex-
pected to follow a victory for
European democracy.
Such a move by Great Britain
might go far toward stimulating
the morale OF those continental
countries now under axis domino
ton. but secretly hoping for a
return OF full independence.
There are representatives in
London at present of the gov
ernments Of Norway. Holland,
Belgium. Poland, Czechoslo-
vakia and Free France. A
series of meetings among
these officials, still holding
out against the axis, under
British leadership, could re-
veal In some detail their ex-
pectations of a democratic re-
Vival of Europe, In opposition
To totalitarian rule N now
planned by Hitler.
II would not be necessary for
precise terms of peace to be fixed.
Indeed. 1t would scarcely be within
the range Of possibility for any
such action 10 he taken at this
time. for several reasons.
The most important reason is
the unknown future stand of Rus
STA. The British government has
offered to make an agreement of
amity with Russia, whereby the
Russians would be allowed a seat
at the peace table after the war.
Stain has not yet accepted this
proposal, but it is possible he may
do so later, as the outlook changes.
Russian delegates TO the
peace conference would have
their own ideas of terms, as
affecting their own country.
They would have to be given
consideration. IL would not he
diplomatic, therefore, for the
British to proclaim all-inclus-
i've peace conditions now,
while Russia remains In
fluctuating position.
Too, peace terms would depend
on the precise condition of all the
belligerents at the wars end. No
body can foretell, with exact detail,
what will happen in the closing
phase of the conflict, nor whether
the number of belligerents or
either side will be increased. II
for instance, there were to be ar
uprising in the French African
colonies, allowing Free France tc
become powerful belligereni
leading TO an axis defeat, Their
Free France would have a legiti-
mate claim to exert influence or
peace terms.
Thus, though the time Is
not ripe for Britain to an
nomce full conditions of
peace settlement, 1t would he
appropriate for the European
democracies to make known
their alternative TO q totali-
tartan reorganization of con-
tinental Europe.
There can be no doubt important
changes will occur after the wal
in Europe; and it is not good diplo
matte strategy for the British anC
the associated independent gov
ernments now functioning in Lon
don to allow the axis an exclusive
opportunity TO tell the world wha
the future of Europe may become
Axis experts have been bus.
for some time drawing up finan
cial and economic plans for post
war abilitation of the cont
mental countries. These arrange
ments change from time to time
as they are reviewed in confer
ence; but they are known in thei
main outlines.
They are based on German
domination of the continents
industrial production. with an
extension of he barter sys-
tenn. Gold IL to be eliminated
~ far As possible, except TO
settle small international bal
anees of trade. such n sys-
tenn can work only II Berlin
becomes the economic and
financial capital of the CONT
nent and the industrialists and
financiers of the other coun-
tries take orders from Ger
many.
! ANol even Nit NOilbilltnAhA hd
tons now within the axis bio
can relish such subordinstion c
their freedom TO the dictates c
Maxi officials. Yet, no ALTERNATIVE
plan has been shown by Grea
Britain. They know breakdown
OF the old order has occurred an
new order apparently must b
made.
They ought to be told in whs
ways democracy can provide
new order allowing liberty TO IN
people. and stimulating a highe
economic development than total
tarianism can offer. The oppoi
tunity would now seem TO be pres
emit for Great Britain TO take mi
step.
No Sirens Shrek