NEWS OF THE WEEK
FOR the moment there is a slight relaxation of the tension created by the question of Danzig ; but though Mr. Chamberlain's recent statement has undoubtedly had a stabilising effect on the situation it is too early to assume that in fact Germany will be dissuaded from once again using force, or the threat of force, to obtain her ends. Indeed that is not the only difficulty ; for it is necessary, if any peaceful settlement is to be achieved, that she should surrender not only the use of force but the ends themselves. In Warsaw this week it was made clear once again that Poland cannot agree to the incorporation of Danzig in the Reich; on this point there can be neither concessions nor negotiations. Meanwhile there is no doubt of the methods Herr Hitler is employing. Munitions, especially hand-grenades, continue to enter the Free City and the population, including the Poles, is forced into com- pulsory labour service on fortifications and defences. These methods create the danger, which Mr. Chamberlain has emphasised, that at a certain point the Nazis in Danzig will feel strong enough to present Poland with a fait accompli which will leave her with no choice but armed intervention, which now cannot but provoke a general war. For that reason it is unfortunate that neither Poland nor her allies have yet seen fit to protest against the military preparations in Danzig and attempt to call a halt before they have gone so far that a crisis is unavoidable.
