The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-07-24
COMMENT ON WORLD
EVENTS
s.ss..s.,ss J. .

hostile forces, has given a fine eX-
ample of poise and fortitude, ever
since the beginning of the war. This
is undoubtedly largely due to the at
titude Of her workers, who from the
first have made known their determi-
nation to defend their country to the
utmost.
That the Swiss workers are not wa
vering, despite the fate of virtually
every small nation in Europe, is in
dicated by recent article in the or
gan Of the Swiss labor movement. The
article points out that aside from
Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Finland,
which are in a quite special position,
the only European country which
still retains it's real independence and
neutrality is Switzerland.
Although politically, and to a still
greater degree economically, she is
in tight corner, Switzerland is firm
ly resolved to assert her independence
and to defend it against any act of
force, the editor says.
X X X
"These sober statements" the edi-
tor goes on to say, "reveal quite clear
ly the present position of Switzer-
land. But anybody who believes that
we shall be slack, or that we shall fall
on our knees, does not know the Swiss
people. Of course we have our weak
lings, towards and waverers, who
would like to insure against all posi-
bic eventualities. But the great mass
Of the Swiss people is steadfast, and
ready to take all steps necessary for
defense.
"One would have to see our workers
and peasants at meetings where the
question Of the maintenance of our in
dependence is discussed, to know that
the mind Of the great mass of the peo-
pie is sound, and that they can be re-
lied upon. 1t is the authorities and
the army high command that we must
call upon to do all that is humanity
possible to bring our possibilities of
defense up to the maximum of eff
cheney.
Gwen if civilian consumption and
our standard Of living has to be fur
ther reduced, we must accept it. All
these sacrifices are trivial compared
with what we should have to endure
by losing our freedom. The Balkan
campaign has given fresh proof that
war is now one of machines. Swift
zerland is q most heavily Industrial
lied country. She is in the position
to produce war machines and she has
even made records in munitions pro-
duction. All that must be done is to
raise output to maXimum-and that
for our own needs"
X X X
Then the editor warns enemies that
conquest of Switzerland would be a
tough job. "Any power" he says,
(which would like to dominate Swift
zerland must be made to know that
she would have to reckon with enor-
NOUS losses and that, even if she
were successful, she would find an eco
nomlc and transport system which
would be entirely unusuable for a
long time; so that an attack on our
country would not be worth while.
"This is the resolve with which we
must throw ourselves into all the
measures for our defense-all of us,
from the highest to the lowest, from
the masses to the government. If this
is done, then, come what may, Switz-
erland will be able to hold her
ground"
The United States and other ma
tions faced with the totalitarian men
ace, can learn much from Switzerland.
Though her position is infinitely moro
dangerous than that Of almost any
other nation, she displays no sign of
panic or hysteria, and goes steadfast-
~ on her way, determined to defend
her national integrity no matter what
fate may have in store for her.