4 AUGUST 1917, Page 2

As the war began with the South Slav question, so

it is certain that-there can be no stable peace till that question is settled. The news that a South Slav Kingdom is definitely in the making is excellent. To strike the shackles from the Wri5:9 of the South Slays of course involves a diminution of Austrian sovereignty. That is inevitable. We are unable to understand the point of view of some Liberals here, that so long as they can enjoy the senti- mental luxury of being kind to Austria the sufferings of the South Slays do not very much matter. The iciness of heart that co-exists with what may be called recldess gentleness in favour of certain eountries (quite arbitrarily chosen to be the objects of unearned sympathy) is one of the constant puzzles of British political thought.