NEWS OF THE WEEK
1T is possible to welcome wholeheartedly the Anglo- rt German naval agreement and at the same time to understand the hesitations of the French in regard to it. The French set great store by technicalities, with considerable justice, and this is pure realism. It .might almost be called opportunism—of the best kind. For what happened was that an opportunity was offered and was fcirthwith grasped. If it had not been it would in all likelihood never have recurred. We have had examples enough of what the disregard of German offers of armament limitation costs. Invariably the next offer forthcoming is a a higher level. Herr Hitler in his speech of May 21st openly declared his willingness to be satisfied with a navy not stronger than 35 per cent. of the British. The offer could have been taken or left, but it is certain that if left it would never have been made again. The figure would have been 50 per cent. or higher. It was the French, after all, who rejected the German proposals of April, 1934, which provided for a Reichswehr of 200,000 men. As a result the German army today is well over 500,000. With that and other examples before their eyes British Ministers would have been guilty of criminal negligence if they had not taken Heir Hitler at his word and tested his sincerity. They have done so, and the result is eminently satisfactory.
