27
2.
assert freedom. Go where it is threatened and say, 'I am for it,
and do not wish to live in the world a moment longer than it exists'",
No ordinary man or woman of the British masses would use such
dramatic phrases, but all would endorse the principle so arrest-
ingly expressed.
To curb Aggression.
The Pope
appealed to the Governments concerned to try reason
instead of force in solving their problems. The British Government
anted the rulers of Germany to bring their complaints to cool
examination before the public opinion of the world, but also to do
something to restore confidence in Germany's professions of good
faith. The British Trade Union movement broadcast a message of
goodwill to the German people, adding that, if the German threat of
force were renounced, there could be a just and peaceful setitement
of all international disputes.
On behalf of the representatives of the "Oslo" group of powers, X Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Holland and Luxembourg,
King Leopold of Belgium announced that "the men on whom the course
of events depends should accept submission of their claims to open
negotiation in a spirit of brotherly co-operation". President
Roosevelt added his appeal for agreement by common accord, and
asked that there should be no act of aggression or hostility.
From every quarter appeals have been addressed to Herr Hitler
to cease his shock tactics and attempt to settle whatever grievances
he may have by reasoned argument and negotiation.
Unfortunately,
the head of the German Reich appears to believe that shock tactics
and the threat of force will ultimately lead him to world domination.
So far, owing to an uneasy feeling that some German grievances were
genuine, his methods have been successful.
Without notice he marched into the Rhineland and remilitarised
it in spite of his Locarno obligations. He gave ample assurances
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