Between the Lines

How little Great Britain can be trusted by Jews and by others, when it comes to international politics, can best be seen from the naval agreement which has just been concluded between the British government and Nazi Germany.

This agreement, which actually annuls the Versailles Treaty, and which practically approves Germany’s withdrawal from the League of Nations, spells war for France, Poland, Soviet Russia, all the Baltic States; spells war for practically all of Europe.

BETRAYING ALLIES

Nevertheless, the British government did not hesitate to enter into this agreement with the Nazi government, thereby strengthening Hitler’s position in Europe and giving the Reich the right to have a fleet equal to thirty-five per cent of Great Britain’s tonnage, and submarines amounting to forty-five per cent of those maintained by Great Britain. Furthermore, the agreement provides that “under certain circumstances,” Nazi Germany may have full equality with Great Britain in submarines.

This agreement is a betrayal on the part of England, not only of France, with whom the British statesmen have worked hand in hand ever since the Versailles Treaty was signed, but also of the entire civilized world. With every civilized nation in the world against Hitler, this pact between England and Germany is as characteristically selfish as certain manipulations of the British government in India and in other Colonial territories.

A LESSON FOR JEWS

For the Jews, this naval treaty between England and Nazi Germany should serve as a special lesson. Much can be learned from it, especially with regard to Jewish interests in Palestine. It illustrates that whenever selfish interests of the Empire are involved, the British are far from being sentimental.

For more than two years the entire press of Great Britain was hostile towards Germany. For more than two years public opinion in England day in and day out carried reports about the brutalities of the Nazis towards Jews, Catholics, and all those who do not adhere to the Nazi program. For more than two years the Liberol elements of the entire world were proud of the fact that England opposed the Nazis.

Now the British government has put an end to the anti-Nazi policy of its people. Furthermore, it actually permits Nazi Germany to arm for a new world war which could have been averted if the Nazis were not enabled to rearm.

EYES ON PALESTINE

Who can predict whether the same line will not be followed by England also with regard to the Arabs in Palestine? Who can foresee what the policy of the British government towards the Jewish aims in Palestine may be in the near future, when Palestine will remain practically the only country under a Mandate?

Already the British administration in Palestine is insisting on establishing a Legislative Council which would place the Jews on a minority status. Is this not a violation of the Balfour Declaration? Is this not the beginning of a clever withdrawal from the British obligation to establish Palestine as the National Home for the Jews?