Distress in Europe
It is difficult to agree with Sir Arthur Salter that all the means are available to save the distressed countries of Europe, especially Germany, from starvation and disease in the coming winter. But a joint programme of relief by this country, the United States and the Dominions, such as Sir Arthur urged in Parliament last week, could undoubtedly save many of the children and the aged, who otherwise will be cond:mned to die ; a limited programme of this kind is more likely to succeed than one of universal relief which is unattainable. Replying for the Government to Sir Arthur, Mr. Bevin rightly emphasised that the main obstacles to alleviating distress are
political, in the sense, firstly, that they arise from the terrible legacy of hatred left behind them by the Germans, and, secondly, that no considerable improvement in the situation can be expected until the victorious Powers have settled their differences sufficiently to embark on a co-ordinated programme of action. The paralysis produced by the political disagreements of the Allies will not, as Mr. Bevin pointed out, injure Germany and the other distressed countries alone. If epidemic and disease break out, as must be expected among popula- tions under-nourished, ill-housed and ill-clothed, they will not recog- nise the frontiers that seem all-important to statesmen ; they will not notice the partition of Germany into four zones or of Europe into sovereign States ; unlike Hitler, they will not even be deterred by the Channel. It may be hoped, however, that modern medicine may prevent the spread of epidemics on the catastrophic scale that followed the last war. In the meantime, there are two practical methods of reducing distress. The first is to transfer children from the most destitute to the relatively prosperous areas ; Field-Marshal Montgomery's removal of 50,000 children of Berlin shims that our occupation authorities are doing what they can in this sphere. The second method is for this country, if necessary alone, if possible in conjunction with her Allies, to use every means of persuading the Polish and Czech Governments to prevent the immediate expul- sions of their German populations.
