The Choice Before Germany
But much the most important passage in the Foreign Secretary's speech was that devoted to the discussion of Germany's intentions. The peace of Europe lies in her hands, but we cannot have even peace on terms dictated by Germany. Equality is denied her by no one ; even the colonial question can be discussed if she has a case to make ; if her economic difficulties can be eased by the co-operation of this or any other democratic country it can be had for the asking — but she refuses to take part in the League inquiry into access to raw materials, On both material and moral grounds economic co-operation can only be forthcoming if it is accompanied by co-operation in the limitation and reduction of armaments. Neither can this country have any part in a war of political creeds. We have no use for extremists either of the Right or of the Left, and if Germany still cherishes hopes of finding an alliance here for an anti-Bolshevik campaign it is time that, in the interests of reality, she abandoned them. What is needed in Europe is genuine co-operation by all States, directed against no State, and involving interference in no State's internal affairs. On that basis, as Mr. Eden said, true peace can be established in Europe, and no State would benefit by it more than Germany. The first earnest of goodwill would be co-operation to enforce real non-intervention in Spain.
