* * *
—and its Repercussions
This sudden military expansion, achieved by no other formality than the signatures of Herr Hitler and General von Blomberg, is deplorable in its repercussions abroad, whether or not it is followed, as rumoured, by the virtual conscription of the whole nation, women and children included. In France there is already serious talk of an increase from two years' service to three years' ; if that happens it will no doubt be taken in Berlin as a challenge demanding a rejoinder in the form of a still further enlargement of the German forces. To that process there are only two possible ends—economic ruin, or war forced by one nation or other because it can no longer maintain the burden of its armaments and mist strike before it begins to contract. The single hope for the world is in a new effort for a general simultaneous limitation and, if possible, reduction. Even to think of that at such a juncture as this. may seem fantastic, but if the coming talks between the Locarno Powers do not result in that, they can have little- value at all. . Mutual assistance agreements mean nothing unless they mean that the Powers concerned can count on external assistance in time of need and can reduce their own armaments accord- ingly. The new service decree must lay fresh burdens on the population of Germany, and Herr Hitler has something to gain by lightening them, as he could do without losing face if other countries also reduced their armaments. The so-called Locarno talks and the reinvigoration of the League of Nations offer slender enough hope, but it is the only hope.
