Mr. Churchill went on to contrast with our comparative calm
the deplorable state of Europe. " The. Allies may abandon Russia, but Russia will not abandon them: The ghost of the Russian Bear comes padding across the immense field of snow," menacing civilization and the peace of Europe and Asia. The disappearance of the armies of Admiral Koltchak and General Denikin would- leave the Bolsheviks free- to co-operate with the Turkish Army, now reconstituted -owing to the Allies' long delay in agreeing upon a Turkish peace. Austria was in a state of misery. TI the present . German Government collapsed, giving place either to militarist reaction or to Bolshevik anarchy,. Great Britain -and France would suffer. It was to our interest to help the German Government through their difficulties, so long as they acted loyally. France and America were trading with Germany. "I see- no reason," said Mr. Churchill, "why we should stand by inertly and see these very. good friends of ours picking up the whole of the opportunities." He added that, while he hoped that the League of Nations '
would succeed, he could not nurse illusions. Failing America, Great Britain was left with France, Italy, Japan, and "a cluster of smaller States and doubting neutrals." "There is nothing sufficiently solid at the ptesent time to justify us in laying aside those reasonable and moderate precautions of our Army, of our Air Force, and above all of the British Navy, which, whatever happens elsewhere, will keep us safe and sound in our island home."
Previous page
